Durst P5 SMP – The Game Changer in Large Format Printing

Brixen, Italy, November 14, 2025 – Durst Group, a leading manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, celebrated the official launch of the P5 SMP, the new Super Multi-Pass solution, together with customers from around the world at its site in Lienz, Austria, on November 6, 2025. With this system, Durst introduces a printing solution distinguished by exceptional versatility and performance. The maximum production capacity reaches five million square meters per year.

The P5 SMP is a hybrid LED multi-pass inkjet system with a printing width of 3.5 meters, designed for both board and roll printing. Based on the proven P5 platform, it provides a powerful alternative to conventional single-pass systems. The P5 SMP was first unveiled at drupa 2024. For the field test, Durst partnered with ARIAN GmbH from Gleisdorf, Austria – a demanding collaborator that defines itself as a service provider for POS campaigns and acts as a global full-service provider.

Reaction time is key

Robert Posch, Chief Production Officer (CPO) at ARIAN GmbH, emphasized during the event that the P5 SMP has closed a production gap and impressed with its flexibility and reliability. “We have tested over 200 materials in various formats on the P5 SMP. The short setup times and high level of automation help us manage this material mix in practice. With the P5 SMP, we’ve also expanded our production capacities and can respond to customer requests much faster – a decisive success factor in today’s sales environment,” said Posch.

Market readiness achieved

Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group, highlighted that together with ARIAN, Durst was able to fully exploit the potential of the P5 SMP in a real production environment, bringing the system to market readiness based on practical feedback. “The response from both existing and potential customers to the P5 SMP has been overwhelming. We recorded additional sales during the event itself. The P5 SMP is a true game changer, elevating productivity and efficiency in digital large-format printing to a new level.”

In the Lienz Demo Center, visitors experienced live how quickly a complete material change can be performed on the P5 SMP. The system targets the Sign & Display, POP/POS, corrugated packaging and display, as well as industrial décor printing markets. The P5 SMP handles both roll and board materials up to 70 mm thick. Currently, two formats can be loaded simultaneously; in its final stage, up to four formats will be possible.

Another highlight is the “DSA – Digital Substrate Alignment” system, providing precise digital image registration with an accuracy of ±0.25 mm. This feature is particularly valuable for double-sided printing, ensuring perfect front-to-back alignment and accurate registration for guillotine and die-cut processes.

Additionally, the “Automated Corrugated System” ensures high production safety, especially in corrugated printing. The material is continuously and automatically kept flat, preventing edge lifting and reliably avoiding material collisions.

Depending on the application, the P5 SMP can control up to ten color channels – for example, to extend the color gamut with process colors (orange and violet), use light colors for smoother gradients, or apply white as a base for overprinting. The inks are cured using LED technology, and print quality can be adjusted through resolution levels of 700 × 1200 dpi and 900 × 1200 dpi.

Automation makes the difference

“To unlock the full potential of the P5 SMP, automation is essential. Durst offers comprehensive solutions here – from feeders with buffering, to alignment tables, and stackers that enable unattended operation throughout an entire shift,” explained Andrea Riccardi, Director of Product Management Graphics & Textile.

The maximum productivity of the P5 SMP is 1,940 m²/h or 340 boards per hour (format 3.2 × 1.6 meters). Even in the fully automated version, the required space is only about 160 m², a clear testament to its compact design. Furthermore, the P5 SMP is delivered with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software packages – tools that continuously enhance production efficiency. Another advantage, Riccardi emphasized, is the low energy consumption of the LED solution, requiring only 35 kWh.

Investment security guaranteed

“In the B2B sector, investment security is a top priority. With the P5 XT concept, we offer a platform that evolves on every level – a commitment we have made to our customers. This applies to productivity, reliability, and the exploration of new application areas. Our systems grow with our customers’ needs and will continue to deliver top performance every day in the future,” says Andrea Riccardi.