Large Format Printing Round-Up: What’s New from Canon, Epson and HP (Plus Our Top Tips for Getting More from Your Large Format Printer)

Design Supply’s guide to the latest large format printer news and practical advice — from the team who’ve been supplying printers, ink, paper and media since 1991. If you run a design studio, architecture practice, print shop or sign business, keeping track of what Canon, Epson and HP are doing in large format is a full-time job in itself. This month we’ve pulled together the headline news from the big three manufacturers, plus a set of maintenance tips that will help you get more life — and better prints — out of whichever machine is sitting in your studio right now.

What’s New from Canon

Canon used the ISA International Sign Expo 2026 in Orlando to show off its latest wide format line-up, and there was plenty on display for both the graphics and technical printing markets:

• Colorado XL-series — a 2026 iF Design Award winner, aimed at high-volume roll-to-roll production.
• Colorado M-series roll-to-roll printers, which also picked up a 2025 Pinnacle Award.
• Arizona 2380 GTF flatbed printer for rigid media work.
• imagePROGRAF GP-4600S with MFR — relevant for studios already invested in Canon’s graphics-focused imagePROGRAF range.

The standout new technology is Height IQ, Canon’s AI-powered system that automatically measures media thickness to streamline setup and support more automated production workflows. Canon also demonstrated end-to-end finishing with a 62-inch Summa cutter and a Colex cutting system, underlining a push towards fully integrated print-and-cut production lines rather than standalone printers.

What’s New from Epson

Epson’s SureColor P-series has had a refresh with the P7370 (24-inch) and P9370 (44-inch), aimed squarely at photographers, fine art printmakers and graphic designers who need exhibition-quality output. Highlights include:

• A 10-channel PrecisionCore printhead with separate Photo Black and Matte Black channels — no more manual black ink switching.
• UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet, extending the colour gamut and improving print permanence.
• Print speeds more than double the previous generation.
• Support for rolls, sheets and rigid boards up to 1.5mm thick, plus Epson’s Media Installer software for dialling in custom media settings.
• Epson Cloud Solution PORT for fleet management across multiple printers.

For businesses working across textiles, garment and industrial applications, Epson has also been pushing its dye-sublimation SureColor SC-F20000, shown at FESPA 2026.

What’s New from HP

HP had one of the bigger announcements of the year at FESPA 2026 (19–22 May), launching the DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ PostScript Printer Series Plus Edition — the next generation of a platform HP says already has over 40,000 units installed worldwide. Key upgrades include:

• HP Pixel Control technology and HP Vivid Photo Inks for sharper detail and smoother gradients.
• Dual-drop technology, delivering high-quality output without needing light inks, across a broader range of media.
• New print modes that can boost productivity by up to 90%, with dual-roll support and automatic roll switching.
• On the Z9+, an embedded spectrophotometer and optional gloss enhancer for colour-critical work.
• HP Wolf Pro Security built in, plus HP Click App integration for simpler file prep.

Both models became available from June 2026. HP also used FESPA to highlight the HP Latex FS70 W and updates to the PrintOS Production Hub software.

What this means if you’re choosing between them: Canon’s news leans towards automation and finishing integration, Epson’s towards colour range and speed for fine art/photo work, and HP’s towards productivity and built-in colour management for SMBs. Get in touch with our team and we can talk you through the right fit.

Our Top Tips for Getting More From Your Large Format Printer

A well-maintained wide format printer can comfortably last 7–10 years or more — here’s how to get there.

1. Use genuine ink and quality media. Non-OEM ink can clog printheads and affect colour accuracy and permanence.
2. Don’t let your printer sit idle for long periods. Run a nozzle check or short test print if it’ll be unused for more than a few days.
3. Run nozzle checks and cleaning cycles regularly. Weekly, especially before a big job.
4. Store your media properly. Keep rolls wrapped, upright, at 15–24°C and 40–60% humidity.
5. Keep the printer clean, inside and out. Weekly exterior/tray cleaning, monthly platen and roller checks.
6. Always power down properly. Use the printer’s own power button so it can park the printhead correctly.
7. Keep firmware and drivers up to date. A five-minute job that’s easy to overlook.
8. Book a professional service. Twice yearly for high-use environments.