In addition to showcasing the latest machinery and developments in printing technology, this year’s Printing United Expo highlighted where the print industry is heading and how service needs will evolve. With over 680 exhibitors and a floor nearly sold out months in advance, the event showcased momentum across commercial print, apparel, wide-format graphics, packaging, and industrial applications.

After walking the floor and speaking with OEMs, service providers, and production teams, three clear trends stood out.

1. Industrial print is getting faster, smarter, and more specialized

The equipment showcased this year reflected a shift toward high-volume digital production paired with smarter automation. Machines like Mimaki’s Tiger600-1800TS and Massivit’s large-format 3D systems showed how quickly throughput, scale, and precision are evolving.

Across dye-sublimation, textiles, soft signage, and even 3D applications, the message was consistent: Manufacturers are driving toward speed, efficiency, and new production capabilities that demand equally sophisticated installation and maintenance support.

For the field service industry, this reinforces a growing need for specialized technicians who can support workflows, industrial-grade digital printers, and the expanding category of functional and additive print systems.

2. Sustainability is moving from buzzword to business strategy

Many exhibitors emphasized durability, recyclability, and energy-efficient technologies—most notably in substrates and inks. ORAFOL’s media portfolio, for example, showcased improvements in solvent resistance, stability, and long-term performance for extreme environments.

Whether through reduced waste, eco-friendly materials, or energy-saving curing methods, the sustainability push is no longer optional. Brands are asking for greener print solutions, and equipment manufacturers are responding.

As sustainability initiatives grow, so will demand for technicians who understand new materials, extended-life components, remanufacturing processes, and closed-loop service models.

3. OEM service models are creating increased opportunities for independent technicians

Conversations with major OEMs highlighted a clear divide:

• Large OEMs (HP, Canon, Epson, Sharp, Epson) continue to handle complex repairs in-house.
• Mid-market and specialized companies, like Skandacor and smaller regional providers, increasingly rely on external technicians for maintenance and simpler service calls.
• Recent acquisitions, such as Xerox completing its purchase of Lexmark, signal further shifts in how service networks will be structured going forward.

This is meaningful for field service leaders. As OEMs streamline their service approaches, the market for flexible, distributed technician networks is expanding, particularly for printers in retail, signage, and office environments.

With more than 46,000 printer work orders completed on Field Nation in the last 90 days, we’re already seeing this demand reflected in real time.

Embrace printing trends with Field Nation

Printing United Expo made one thing clear: the printing industry isn’t slowing down, it’s diversifying. With advancements in industrial equipment, growing sustainability expectations, and evolving OEM service models, the industry has a growing need for skilled on-site technicians.

The Field Nation marketplace empowers field service leaders and OEMs to make the shift and keep pace with the latest printer technology. Want to learn more? Send us a message and talk with one of our team members about how you can leverage Field Nation for your printing needs.