Production inkjet technology has transformed direct mail, books and transactional printing.

By Erik Cagle

Easing the Apprehension

Uncertainty plays a role in keeping some printers from taking the leap into production inkjet. Concerns about image quality, operating costs, inkjet head replacements and paper are valid issues that any printer should be contemplating during the due diligence process.

To dispel some of the uncertainty, Noel Ward, editor of packagePRINTING magazine, offers these observations and suggestions:

Image quality is at least adequate for most applications that will run on an inkjet press.
Operating costs can vary widely. Rather than relying on vendors’ claims, talk with other printers who have machines similar to the one you’re considering to learn about true operating costs.
The technology is generally solid, works well and is reliable. But, as with any press, thorough training and ongoing learning is required to get the best results.
Head replacement is usually a top-of-mind concern, but in fact heads seem to be outlasting even vendor expectations. Again, tap other printers to get a real-world read on head life. And don’t be afraid to see what kind of agreement can be crafted with the vendor. Heads aren’t cheap, so you must have a clear understanding of costs and service requirements.
Using the right paper is critical with inkjet presses. Testing is urgently required here—preferably in your own print environment.

Though direct mail, books and transactional work seem to be the holy trinity of the production inkjet digital printing church, there are murmurs of a fertile ground beyond the big three that will open the door for commercial printing, package printing and beyond.

Unlike the onset of the digital printing revolution of the mid-1990s, when the market for such machines was undeveloped, this current trend toward continuous-feed and cutsheet inkjet press adoption is unmistakable. And, depending on your vantage point, production inkjet has yet to peak; were it a winter nor'easter, many would say the eye of the storm has not yet arrived.

Inkjet Summit Returns

Given the overwhelming success of its inaugural performance last year, the Inkjet Summit is back next month with an expanded market segment focus and a larger pool of invitees.

The second annual Inkjet Summit will take place April 7-9 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The invitation-only event is aimed at senior managers and business executives from in-plants and printing companies looking to develop strategies, understand their options and make major investment decisions in the production inkjet digital printing space.

Qualified attendees will be treated to an all-expenses-paid experience where they will hear from the industry’s top experts in the inkjet printing space. The tightly crafted conference program mixes unbiased market information, education and peer-to-peer networking opportunities through keynote sessions, workshops and user panels featuring printers who have already invested in production inkjet printers. In addition, market segment-focused breakout sessions will cover book, direct mail, commercial and transactional printing applications.

Learn more about the Inkjet Summit at www.ijsummit.com.