Four years ago at Drupa 2008, everyone was talking about inkjet technology and the promising future of digital printing. Higher speeds, better quality and lower running costs all brought attention to the potential of digital printing, along with increasing interest in print-on-demand. Drupa 2012 will continue this discussion, exploring the continuing advancements being made to improve digital printing and inkjet technology. Digital printers have come a long way in advancements, particularly in terms of speed and the ability to hold a solid. Presses such as the MGI Meteor DP8700, capable of printing up to 4,260 A4/Letter pages/hour or 2,280 A3 pages/hour and allows operators to adjust the THV (transfer voltage) on the pilot, create high-quality output comparable to that of an offset press without streaking and banding.
Perhaps some of the most exciting advancements being made are those involving finishing equipment catering to the digital print market. In the past, there was seemingly very little room for improvement in digital finishing, especially when compared to the possibilities allowed using offset output. Now, several of the biggest names in post-press equipment have unveiled finishing devices which accommodate digital printers. Morgana and Graphic Whizard both have finishing devices which help eliminate problems associated with digital finishing, such as cracking when folding using conventional methods. 3D varnish, high gloss varnish or fluorescent varnish are all now possible with digital print, along with UV varnish, cold foil, special effects varnishes, die cutting, and dispersion and iroidin varnishes.
One driving force behind the growth of inkjet technology is the cost effectiveness companies can gain by utilizing digital print, particularly in their marketing materials. Businesses benefit from the ability to personalize their direct marketing pieces, along with the the idea of affordable full page coverage designs which can be produced in high-volume. Inkjet printers are also versatile, allowing print shops to meet a multitude of needs including monochrome, light-coverage color and full color, all using the same device. Digital presses can also print on a wider variety of substrates including coated paper, plastics and polycarbonate.
Printers can expect more exciting advancements to be unveiled at Drupa 2012. Inkjet technology and digital printing is set to be the future of print, the heir apparent to offset printing. According to Drupa’s website:
Digital printing represents one of the great hopes for the industry. At a time when conventional printing processes like rotogravure and rotary offset are facing enormous economic challenges and the growth prospect for sheet offset is one of restrained optimism at best, digital printing seems to be a good bet for the future. Among its various applications, inkjet promises to be the frontrunner… There is one technology rising above any other when assessing the printing industry’s growth prospects: digital Print featuring inkjet technology. No other process is likely to achieve anywhere near its growth rate in market share.
For more information about Drupa 2012, please contact MSL at 800.343.4231 or email krista@midstatelitho.net.
