Changing consumer preferences and rapidly evolving digital printing technologies are driving a profound evolution in technical printing solutions in 2024. Here, we'll explore the main trends driving the transformation and examine the impact on industries like AEC. Then we’ll determine how businesses can embrace advanced digital printing technology to unlock opportunities for innovation and enhanced efficiencies. Understanding the top printing trends of 2024 can help businesses navigate challenges and thrive in an era of change.

Technical printing describes printing protects that deviate from industry standards in terms of materials, methods, or requirements. These projects often demand tight tolerances and are used in highly regulated industries like healthcare, AEC, and manufacturing.

Even as digital transformation has changed practically every industry, printing is still integral to many sectors. Physical prints are authentic and reliable. The advancement of printing technology enables professionals to achieve more with printers than ever before. To remain competitive, businesses must keep up with emerging trends to improve performance and productivity.

Over the last century and a half, technical printing has evolved from complex multi-step processes completed with large machines to the use of compact printers that print on various surfaces and even 3D printers to develop physical objects like tools. Developed about 150 years ago, offset printing uses aluminium plates to transfer an image to a rubber blanket and then roll the image onto the printing surface. Screen printing (invented in China during the Song Dynasty) uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a flat printing surface.

In the early 1950s, inkjet printing revolutionised printing by recreating digital images by propelling ink droplets onto substrates. Today, inkjet and laser printers are the most common technical printing methods. However, 3D printing technologies are making their mark and are considered by some to be the future of printing efficiency.

As technology and consumer demands are advancing at unprecedented speeds, many of the printing trends of 2024 promise to bring about change in the technical printing sector. These are the changes we expect to have the most impact.

Digital printing technology enables professionals to print from anywhere and share information all around the world. The top three digital printing technologies shaking things up in 2024 include:

High-speed inkjet printing enables rapid and efficient printing compared to other processes. New technologies promote advanced capabilities like instant drying and the ability to print on various substrates.

Advanced print management software integrates seamlessly with large format printers, providing tools for optimising printing workflows, managing print queues, and ensuring colour consistency and accuracy across multiple prints.

Advanced inks with characteristics such as water resistance and long-term durability are specifically formulated for blueprint printing, ensuring that the prints remain legible and intact for extended periods.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are replacing repetitive tasks such as file management and printing device maintenance.

AI and automation replace previously manual tasks with automatic processes, cutting the required time for routine processes and reducing the potential for human error.

The implementation of intelligent print management systems and automated print production platforms eliminates any manual oversight in printing processes that leaves room for human errors, inconsistencies in print quality, and production inefficiency. Reducing waste and improving productivity also results in substantial cost savings.

Robotics and automation technologies for handling materials, loading printers, and conducting post-printing processes reduce downtime while maintaining high print quality.

Industry 4.0's digital technologies create interconnection, advance data use, and enable automation for increased efficiency and informed decision-making. Consider these printing trends of 2024 coming from Industry 4.0.

Real-time connectivity allows AEC professionals to develop virtual design and digital twin approaches to remotely monitor and optimise work processes and activities in real time. The approach saves time and reduces errors, resulting in improved processes and substantial cost savings.

The ability to collect vast amounts of data enables businesses to recognise which devices are used most frequently, keep up with preventive maintenance, and find ways to cut costs.

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows internet-enabled devices to connect and exchange data. These connections enable professionals to monitor machines remotely for simplified diagnostics, reduce energy consumption with auto shut-off features, and access printers from remote devices to apply last-minute changes.

These emerging printing trends of 2024 offer the following promising production and quality improvements for industries that depend on complex printing methods.

Rapid inkjet printing processes combined with automation connectivity to reduce errors enable manufacturing and AEC professionals to rapidly produce accurate prototypes and designs, reducing the number of iterations it takes to succeed.

Interconnected systems and cutting-edge digital printing technologies allow professionals across industries to produce high-quality prints on demand without long setup times.

Printers are constantly finding new ways to improve sustainability. For example, eco-friendly printers enable users to use non-toxic, biodegradable inks and energy-efficient technologies. 3D-rendered printing enables construction professionals to utilise materials that reduce environmental impact and enhance the strength of buildings.

New technology, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and IoT devices, allows enhanced communication for improved planning and insight into the energy requirements of buildings before construction begins. The increased use of 3D printing and modelling enables construction professionals to use more sustainable materials and limit waste during construction.

New technology creates safer job sites for workers. Drones are used to survey sites and monitor worker safety. They also collect visual observations in hard-to-reach and dangerous places. Automation enables robots to perform tasks like operating heavy machinery and working in hazardous conditions.

Automation, production speed, BIM, 3D printing, and other printing technologies streamline printing processes for improved speed and productivity. Intelligent print management systems combined with automated print production platforms also eliminate manual tasks, improving efficiency and reducing errors and inconsistencies.

Evolving technology in the printing sector brings opportunities for businesses to innovate and improve. However, new technology also presents new challenges to overcome.

The print sector is evolving in new directions, from the use of vibrant inks and varied substrates to the amazing results of building and graphic printing. Businesses that embrace these changes can stand out from competitors with innovative processes and ideas.

Automation, AI, and connectivity enable businesses to streamline print processes and reduce errors and material waste. These changes cut manpower costs and reduce overspending due to waste.

Vibrant ink colours and the ability to print on varied substrates dramatically change what printers are capable of producing. At the same time, rapid printing enables printing on demand and customisation. These abilities would allow businesses to expand and diversify product lines.

Real-time connectivity fuels collaboration and allows teams to create shared knowledge resources like BIM to improve informed decision-making and help customers meet their sustainability goals.

New technology is often met with resistance. Companies facing incompatibility issues will face a much larger upfront cost to adopt new technologies.

With connectivity comes concerns about data leakage and theft. Businesses must ensure that all personal and business information is adequately protected during sharing procedures.

As businesses struggle to stand out in the changing times defined by these printing trends of 2024, keeping up with the competition can be challenging. You may need to think outside the box to avoid being one more company with the same new offerings as your competitors.

HP is consistently at the forefront of innovative printing to serve consumers and businesses across all industries. Reach out to HP to discuss your large format printing needs to stay competitive in the rapidly changing business environment.