Printing Is Becoming More Flexible And Faster

Recently, Keyin Media released the "2026 Survey Report on Installed Capacity of High-Speed Inkjet Printing in China," sparking wide discussion in the industry. The data shows that in 2025, the country added 698 high-speed inkjet printing devices, over a hundred more than the previous year, showing steady growth in installed capacity. Beyond the numbers, what's worth noting is that domestic printing capacity is undergoing structural iteration: traditional large-volume, standardized long-run printing continues to shrink, while refined brand operations, rapid product iteration, and upgraded personalized consumption are jointly reshaping demand. Short runs-small batches, multiple runs, fast delivery, and high customization-have become the core growth point of the industry; meanwhile, the traditional logic of "scaling to dilute costs" is increasingly hard to adapt to the new rules of flexibility, premium quality, and fragmentation.

In this transformation, inkjet printing-which requires no plates, allows fast job changes, and has strong media adaptability-has become a key way for companies to break through capacity bottlenecks and capture short-run growth. Epson's large-format inkjet printing solutions leverage self-developed Micro Piezo technology and scenario-based implementation capabilities to systematically address short-run production pain points, providing a high-value path for the industry's flexible upgrades.

**Short-Run Printing Going Mainstream**

The Industry is Stuck in Structural Production Challenges

The short-run boom isn't just about smaller orders-it's a full-scale upgrade in production mode, cost structure, quality standards, and scenario adaptability. Currently, most printing companies face a mismatch between traditional processes and new demands, reflected in four main points:

1. **Efficiency struggles.** Traditional printing steps are cumbersome, and switching and setup for new orders takes a long time. Under high-frequency short runs, equipment sits idle often, utilizing capacity poorly, making it hard to meet ultra-fast delivery needs.

2. **Cost struggles.** Traditional plate-making and machine setup costs are rigid and high, and small-batch orders can't spread these costs effectively, making short-run profitability tough. Companies often face the dilemma of "take the order and lose money or reject it and lose the market."

3. **Quality struggles.** Frequent revisions and material changes in short-run printing can cause batch color differences and discrepancies between proofs and mass production. Repeated color adjustments and reprints increase waste and easily lead to customer complaints, damaging delivery reputation.

4. **Adaptability struggles.** Printing scenarios are increasingly diverse and cross-industry. Traditional equipment has weak media compatibility and single functions, failing to meet needs like proofing and small-batch production. Adding new heavy assets only increases operational burdens.

**Epson Large-Format Inkjet**
**Adapting to New Short-Run Printing Needs**

With years of deep experience in the printing industry, Epson understands the core challenges of the short-run transformation. Leveraging Micro Piezo inkjet technology, Epson breaks traditional printing barriers and digital print quality shortcomings, building an integrated large-format inkjet printing solution. This includes professional color management at the core, dual empowerment of proofing and short-run production, and full-scenario media adaptability, targeting short-run production challenges at the technical level.

**01**
**Professional Color Printing Solutions to Solve Color Control Challenges**

As the market demands higher-quality output, color consistency and accuracy have become crucial for short-run print quality. Epson's end-to-end color management solution provides a professional and precise approach. With the SD-10 portable automatic spectrophotometer, self-developed Epson Edge Color Lite software, and professional large-format inkjet printers, the three-part system optimizes production processes, linking designers' creative ideas effectively with industrial-scale production, achieving true WYSIWYG. For the frequent revisions and multiple proofing needs of short runs, stable and controllable color capabilities help printing companies reduce communication friction and improve customer approval.

Epson SD-10 Spectrophotometer

02

Packaging Proofing / Short-run Printing Solutions, Unlocking Packaging Business Growth

To meet the business needs of packaging and printing companies, Epson has partnered with GMG to launch a complete wide-gamut proofing solution. In this solution, the Epson SureColor S9180, a solvent-based large-format printer, serves as Epson's main production model for flexible applications. Combined with GMG ColorProof and GMG OpenColor, it leverages strong media compatibility, professional color performance, and stable long-run production capability to break the limitations of traditional proofing devices, covering all scenarios from packaging proofing to small-batch production.

The Epson SureColor S9180 features Epson's 2.64-inch PRECISIONCORE® Micro TFP printhead, paired with an upgraded 11-color ink system and eco-friendly GS3 solvent inks. It delivers a wider color gamut and finer color gradation, accurately matching high-end color standards in the packaging industry. It's suitable for proofing across all packaging categories, including food, personal care, cultural products, gifts, and electronics.

Epson Weak-Solvent Wide-Format Micro-Printer Epson SureColor S9180

03

Prepress Digital Proofing Solutions to Enhance Corporate Service Capabilities

Customers who need prepress digital proofing generally have high standards for color accuracy and stability. Epson's P-Series large-format printers, with their excellent hardware quality and advanced color technology, hold a key position in the prepress proofing market. Combining the printer, high-quality pigment inks, high-grade Iris Proofing Paper, and professional RIP software like Fiery and GMG, Epson's full prepress color proofing solution helps users achieve efficient, high-precision, and stable proofing output.

Among them, the Epson SC-P7580/P9580 uses the 12-color "Vivid Color® PRO10" pigment ink, covering up to 99% of the Pantone color gamut. With the new 2.64-inch micro piezo printhead, this series offers greater color consistency and stability while significantly improving printing speeds. It also features automatic nozzle compensation technology, providing continuously reliable and consistent quality output.

Epson Large Format Inkjet Printer SC-P7580

Epson Large-Format Inkjet Printer SC-P9580

Empowered by Technology

Helping Large-Format Printing Transform and Upgrade

Short runs, flexibility, and high quality aren't just temporary trends-they're the core of the printing industry's digital transformation. With overcapacity in the industry and ongoing low-price competition, a company's core competitiveness has shifted from simply 'having production capability' to 'producing high-value products accurately and efficiently.' The core value of Epson's large-format inkjet printing solutions goes beyond just providing hardware-it's about offering a practical, profitable, and sustainable short-run printing system that fully meets the flexible production needs of the new era.

As a key driver of the industry's digital transformation, inkjet printing is reshaping production models. Looking ahead, the printing industry will enter a new phase focused on flexible capacity, quality upgrades, and growth driven by niche short-run orders. In the Chinese market, Epson will continue to follow its 'Technology, Localized' strategy, constantly iterating core inkjet technologies and scenario-based solutions to support the digital transformation of China's printing industry and help businesses create a differentiated competitive edge in the short-run market.