This leap in speed is down to manufacturers pushing the boundaries on technology. “We are making almost quantum leaps with technological developments,” says Pete Daniels, production colour marketing manager at Canon UK. “When it comes to improving speed, I believe increases are still possible and the growing demand for variable data printing means there will be a market for faster digital printers.”
Rise in demand
Demand for colour digital is on the increase, alongside personalised print. “Even traditional offset printers are now looking to invest in digital presses to run alongside their existing machines, embracing a new wave of hybrid printers who are experienced at running digital and offset side by side,” says Daniels.
This will encroach on more and more sectors, according to Brian Filler, managing director at Screen UK. “B3 has already felt its impact and B2 is already in its sights,” he says.
Environmental issues are also having an impact on the sector, influencing the build and technology of the presses. “Already, under new EU regulations put in a year and a half ago, presses must be lead-free,” says Punch Graphix’s Neesham. He adds that dry toner is greener because it has no VOCs. In addition, UV printing has led to the reduction of solvent printing methods, notes Filler.
In terms of technology, digital presses can handle variable data, while direct imaging sends digital files directly to a press, without using offline computer-to-plate processing technology. “Printers expecting longer print runs from several thousand to 20,000 copies will probably go for direct imaging and those looking for shorter run, variable data are better off with a digital press,” says Daniels.
WHAT’S NEW IN COLOUR DIGITAL AND DI PRESSES
• Canon’s new range of monochrome ImagePress engines aimed at transactional and print-for pay markets will be on show at Drupa this year
• Presstek is to introduce a UV printing option for its 52DI and 34DI digital offset presses at Drupa. It will allow for switching between standard and UV waterless ink
• HP’s 762mm-wide inkjet web press will be shown at Drupa. The press won’t be available until the end of 2009, but it has an output of 122m per minute, working at 2,600 A4 ppm, out performing any other digital press on the market
• Punch Graphix launched its Xeikon 8000 in March and is demonstrating it at Drupa. The web-fed machine has an imageable width of 504mm. It can output 230ppm at 1,200dpi
• MGI is to debut its four-colour digital press, the Meteor DP 60
Pro, at Drupa. The press can accommodate stock sizes up to 330x487mm
l Océ will show its Jetsream 2200, launched last year, at Drupa. It is capable of 2054 A4 ppm
Read the original article at www.printweek.com.
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