Digital Printing

The majority of software applications for digital printers require IT or design staff to provide the expertise necessary to fully use the programs. “The software alone can cost $20,000 to $100,000. Hiring on a qualified employee could mean an addi­tional $50,000 investment to cover salary,” explained Hunter L. Gimbel, vice president of Roger P. Gimbel & Associates, Melville, N.Y. Now, the company offers a low-cost, user-friendly ASP software solution allowing print providers to market the abilities of their digital equipment, without the requirements of an IT or database specialist. “As an ASP solution, users don’t have to buy any software—it is actually on separate servers

Since its introduction more than a decade ago, digital printing has remained a steadily growing market—one that experts predict will continue to thrive as technologies and opportunities evolve. Manufacturers of equipment, inks and papers are busy developing new products in response to emerging digital markets and trends, and printers are augmenting existing pressroom capabilities to tap into the high-profit market. For many distributors, the focus is on helping customers leverage the power of variable data to grow their businesses. The increasing demand for digital printing and variable data is what led Team Concept Printing & Thermography, Carol Stream, Ill., to install an iGen3 last

Competition is tough all around. Even quick printing chains, which seemingly pummel their competitors, face off against a host of small commercial printers, whether they be chains, franchises or independent businesses. But, profit and growth remain viable for both quick printers and small commercial printers. According to Quick Printing magazine’s 2007 Annual Franchise Review, the industry’s total 2006 sales were up 21.6 percent over 2005. And, as larger commercial printers expand their services, quick printers and smaller commercial printers are finding similar avenues to retain a competitive edge. To get an overview of today’s quick printing market, BFL&S spoke with John Giles, an industry

Looking back on some of the research Weymouth, Massachusetts-based Infotrends has produced, the company’s work has, on occasion, concisely predicted the future. Take a 2003 consumer report on digital cameras, which predicted the devices would eclipse nondisposable film cameras by 2008. Fourteen years ago, the company’s foresight was just as sharp, even in the relatively new digital print market. Partnering with Questex, the company which eventually acquired Infotrends in 2006, the group conceived of a show for a niche segment still hashing out its place in the market. When Charles A. Pesko, president of Infotrends, initially embarked on the project, he was reminded that

Last month, MGI Digital Graphic Technology, Melbourne, Fla., introduced the Meteor DP 40 Pro, a high-speed, four-color, multi-substrate digital press for paper and plastic substrates. Furthermore, the company unveiled four new offline paper and plastic finishing solutions: • High-speed UV-infrared liquid coater unit featuring a large pneumatic feeder and auto feed for documents up to 14.2x20.5" printed digitally and offset. • PunchCard Pro Auto Feed for up to 10,000 cards per hour, and featuring optical pattern validation sensors for formats up to 13x19". • PressCard Pro Hot Platen Lamination unit (50 tons) with a capacity output of more than 2,000 .30 mil PVC

Headquartered in Milton, Wis., direct mail printer Freedom Graphic Systems has enhanced its variable digital printing capabilities. The company has taken delivery of two Xerox iGen3 high-speed printers at its Aurora, Ill., facility. Two additional iGen3 printers have been ordered and will be placed in other Freedom Graphic Systems locations early this year. The investment is consistent with the company’s geographic strategy to be able to produce and enter the mail stream closest to the final destination point for maximum flexibility and greater cost control. The initial order represents a significant expansion of personalized capabilities targeted to serve the one-to-one market space. Existing

In support of its Capture Business Success program, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Palo Alto, Calif., is hitting the road to help commercial, quick and franchise print service providers (PSPs) get on the fast track to new and growing profit opportunities in digital printing. During its tour of various cities, HP will conduct in-depth discussions of how digital technologies—such as the flagship HP Indigo press 5000—are generating more sales with more profitable rates of return for printers and their customers. The seminars are open to existing HP Indigo customers, as well as PSPs interested in learning more about the benefits of digital printing. “Our Capture Business Success

Whether we choose to buy into it or not, every new year brings expectations—the new year in digital print is no exception. From constant improvements in CTP printing to advances in quality control and color quality, manufacturers and distributors have witnessed both the commercial and consumer printing markets’ adjustments to digital printing slowly gather steam since its introduction into the marketplace. With all of the changes the printing industry as a whole has undergone this year, what will the face of digital print look like in 2007? Observing the larger digital culture reveals the nation’s desire for customization, with the popularity of Web sites

Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., PODi released the sixth edition of its “Best Practices in Digital Print” report, featuring 46 new digital print case studies, as well as marketing and service provider best practice principles for creating highly effective digital print solutions. The comprehensive document addresses a broad range of markets, applications and objectives, with examples covering 12 different vertical market segments and five business applications. The sixth edition also includes nine in-depth studies highlighting successful projects from the following organizations: American Signature Furniture; Ford Finland; Inter-State Studio; MFS Investment Management; Out-of-Door Academy; Pantone; Roadway Express; RocketDog Racing; and UMassFive College Credit Union.

More than 155 vendors came to Philadelphia to showcase the latest digital printing solutions during the ON DEMAND Show, May 15-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center—a “must attend” event for those trying to identify their rasters from a hole in the ground as digital printing takes off in dynamic, profitable new directions. Strong themes at this year’s show included equipment that is costing less to operate and doing more, digital-printing supported Web-based efficiencies, workflow simplification, more user-friendly processes and print quality that’s virtually indistinguishable from offset—all of which are helping to accelerate digital printing adaptation. Best Practices Scott Sipherd, category business manager