The growth of inkjet printing has been helped tremendously by industry leaders having a wide range of expertise. If a company designs and manufactures the printers, printheads, software and inks, for example, these systems are likely to succeed in the field.

Canon is an excellent example of this synergistic approach.

The history of Canon is quite interesting: the company was founded in 1933 as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory in Japan. Initially, the company focused solely on camera development but expanded into the ink business in 1985. With the introduction of revolutionary bubble-jet technology, Canon was able to produce high-quality prints at a lower cost, establishing itself as a leader in the industry. Over the years, Canon has experienced significant growth in the inkjet printer market, expanding its product line to include a broad range of personal and professional printers.

Rich Reamer, senior director, product marketing and planning, Large Format Systems at Canon U.S.A., Inc., notes that Canon tailors its products and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of different regions.

“In the Americas, the United States is a particular focus due to its large and diverse commercial printing industry,” Reamer observed. “Canon emphasizes supporting sectors such as direct mail, large-format printing, and high-volume production environments, where inkjet technology can deliver cost-effective and high-quality solutions.”

Reamer pointed out that Canon’s corporate philosophy, known as Kyosei, is a key differentiator.

“Kyosei means ‘all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future’,” Reamer noted. “This philosophy reflects Canon’s dedication to social and environmental responsibility, fostering positive relationships with customers, communities, and the environment. In addition, Canon’s product and customer service offerings are distinguished by innovative technology and research and development, a broad product range, a focus on quality and reliability, and strong customer support to build long-term loyalty.”

Canon places a significant emphasis on both innovation and service for its business strategy and success. The company consistently ranks among the top in global and US patent filings across various industries, including imaging, printing, medical equipment, and environmental technology.

“Some of the recent innovations from Canon include the FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) printhead technology, which is used in most of the company’s inkjet printers,” Reamer said. “This technology enhances image quality, speed, and accuracy. Another innovation is UVgel, a gel ink developed with UV curing. UVgel retains the advantages of existing printer technologies while eliminating many of the associated compromises, offering superior print quality, vibrant colors, and sharper details.”

In terms of services, Canon offers several notable options to enhance the customer experience.

“Canon CarePAK provides cost-effective and easy-to-use additional coverage plans, protecting users from wear and tear beyond the standard warranty period,” Reamer noted. “Canon Professional Services, which offers free registration, priority regional and international support, fast-track repair loaners, and exclusive events and experiences, further exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellent service.”

Canon’s recent product advances include the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, launched in August 2024. This 17-inch printer features an 11-color ink system and a Chroma Optimizer, making it ideal for photographers and fine art applications. Other notable launches are the imagePROGRAF TZ and TX Series, introduced in September 2024, designed for high-speed, large-volume printing with excellent color quality and productivity, catering to the CAD drawing and poster markets.

Canon has also released user-friendly, high-productivity home printers for family and hybrid work environments, such as the MAXIFY GS1060 and GX2050, PIXMA MEGATANK G3290 and G4280, as well as personal photo printers like the PIXMA TS8750 and TS8820. Sustainability initiatives such as ink cartridge collection, product recycling, and battery recycling further demonstrate Canon’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The company also partners with organizations like Yellowstone Forever to support conservation and endangered species research.

Continuing to invest in powerful technology that meets customers’ needs and challenges, Canon is focusing on providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance both the user experience and business performance.

“With advancements in areas such as imaging, printing, and cloud-based platforms, Canon is dedicated to delivering innovative products that help businesses stay ahead in a fast-paced, technology-driven world,” Reamer said. “This commitment to innovation also extends to growing markets like production print, where Canon sees vast potential. By investing in this sector, Canon aims to address the increasing demand for high-quality, efficient printing solutions across various industries.

“In addition, Canon is dedicated to supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment and society,” Reamer added. “These initiatives are vital to our company’s long-term vision of fostering sustainable practices while making meaningful contributions to global communities. Through collaborations like the University of Miami’s F.I.N.S Shark Tagging expedition and its ongoing environmental partnerships, Canon is working to empower underrepresented groups and contribute to the conservation of natural ecosystems, solidifying its role as both a leader in innovation and a responsible corporate entity.”


BOXED INFO:
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
1 Canon Park
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 330-5000
https://www.usa.canon.com/
Major Products: Inkjet Inks