The Direct Approach

The Cost Factor

The one hurdle that hasn't been cleared, however, is price. Frank says DI presses cost 25 to 40 percent more than conventional models—but he adds that computer chips and other electronic components are getting cheaper. DI presses, he says, will drop in price perhaps 5 percent a year.

"As technology becomes more affordable, it will be adapted more readily," he says of DI.