As technology evolves, the need for digital printing grows stronger. According to Smithers, ‘Between 2022 and 2027, the analogue printing industry is expected to witness a growth rate of 0.8%. The digital printing industry is expected to witness a growth rate of 5.7%.’
Printing businesses are increasingly complementing existing analogue presses with digital printers, which are also being used for markets that were dominated by traditional printing processes.
According to Francesco Crotti, business consultant in digital printing, packaging and textiles, and writing for drupa, ‘The acceptance of digital printing for books has become definitive. Inkjet technology is highly productive and reliable, with a standard uptime of 90%. The crossover point between analogue and digital lies at around 6000 copies in black and white and 3000 copies in colour. From a quality perspective, many inkjet solutions are capable of printing on both coated and uncoated media, producing results comparable to offset printing.’
When wanting to invest in a digital printer, it’s important for businesses to take a holistic view. Data from a recent drupa report illustrated that ‘Print companies need to understand that investment in digital printing needs to go hand-in-hand with the digitisation of other business processes. End to end automation was described in the Global Trends survey as a progressive process, starting with no automation, then with automated prepress colour managed workflow, then automated press and post-press workflow and finally end-to-end JDF (or similar) workflow.’
According to Focus Label Machinery, ‘Asking the right questions of your chosen digital printing solution provider can help you to make an informed decision that squares with your business’s needs and priorities.’ This includes enquiring over the calculation of individual job costs, monthly ink costs, hidden costs, service charges, and the need to purchase additional computer hardware or software.
Visitors at the Africa Print Expo, taking place 11-13 September at Gallagher Convention Centre, will have the opportunity to see the latest digital printers live and in action and chat with experts about the best solutions for their unique business needs. You can also speak to company representatives about digital printing market trends.
Visitors can also engage with industry-leading companies who will also showcase their latest labelling, packaging, encapsulating and laminating, branding, binding, graphics, and other cutting edge technology.
Please register online for free attendance to the Africa Print Johannesburg Expo, taking place 11-13 September at Gallagher Convention Centre from 9am-5pm.
AFRICA PRINT EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.africaprintexpo.com