There is no industry standard for what should be included in a digital front end, and there is no universal template that guides how much control the inkjet DFE should expose to an operator to permit changes in how a job will be processed. As we enter the 2020s, this is something that should change. It’s time for the buyers of inkjet presses to identify their expectations, list the features that make a difference to their operation, and categorize the challenges they may have with their current DFE.

What comes to mind when you think of inkjet printing? Do you think of substrates (papers, textiles, electronics)? Do you think of two dimensional applications (direct mail, books, ceramics)? Or do you think in three dimensions (displays, jet engines, medical implants)? Why not 3D?

Kao Chimigraf hosted the first Kao Innovation Day, in Barcelona, that attracted representatives from 22 companies based in 6 countries. The event showcased the Kao Collins X-BAR, and two multi-printhead systems manufactured by Colordyne Technologies. Inkjet inks from Kao Collins were also shown by Kao Chimigraf, the European partner for both companies.

Inkjet Insight talks to Phil Self a VP at Ricoh USA, Inc. about its recent customer event. The event focused on opportunities for using inkjet within commercial and direct marketing business.

Designers drive decision making on print versus e-budgets, print processes, paper choices. For direct mail they impact response rates, production efficiency and overall industry health. Let’s get designers excited about direct mail and amplify those inkjet pages in 2020 and beyond.

In 2020, Inkjet Insight will be expanding coverage of inkjet’s role in growth markets like packaging and industrial while we continue to keep you informed about application segments where inkjet is fully entrenched. This week we got some great Direct-to-Object stories from Richard Romano.

The METIS 3D Scanner creates opportunities for designers and printers think outside the box and expand creative applications for all print markets. Being able to reproduce 3D texture reproductions with existing UV printing equipment or providing scanning services for CGI/PBR (computer-generated imagery/physical based rendering) applications allows designers to not only visualize but customize and develop 3D patterns.

In-plant operations evaluating papers need to take a broader perspective of what cost means in an inkjet environment. There is a potential domino effect on cost when low grade papers are used in high-end devices that corporate procurement teams need to understand.

Pat McGrew with happy new year news on possible compatibility of finishing options across printing processes. Consider the finishing options that can add value in your inkjet environment.

Our latest research surveys production inkjet users on  requirements for print quality measurement when qualifying papers for use on inkjet presses and their satisfaction with OEM services related to meeting those requirements. Executive summary available to all. Premium members can download 18 page report.

A look at industry trends and events affecting the inkjet industry in 2019 and what to keep an eye on in 2020.

Inkjet is everywhere. Inkjet technology is moving fast; leveraging new fluids and creative chemistries to print on new and challenging substrates. More substrate compatibility has opened exciting markets within manufacturing

Kyocera is targeting the professional print market as strategic goal for company growth. The Pro 15000c is set to be the first of a range of devices, with future devices planned to move up the range towards higher-volume uses. Prospects can see the Pro 15000C in the Kyocera showroom in the Netherlands for now. The first public outing will be at drupa 2020, where Kyocera will present some upgrades to the device as well.

Our most recent white paper, sponsored by RICOH, examines the many factors that combine to create a quality inkjet solution for a particular market need. The production workflow and quality sensitivity varies significantly from one application segment to another. While some companies may be replacing one technology platform with another, others are challenged to maintain compatibility between inkjet and toner or offset platforms.

Ralf Schlozer provides an overview of the direct mail market in Europe and the impact of regionalization, postal regulations and GDPR on inkjet adoption. He also defines trends affecting the market for 2020.

Ashley Maydak of Domtar Paper talks to Elizabeth Gooding about helping printing organizations help their customers with selecting papers in order to manage expectations and grow pages.

According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, 97% of senior leaders said that “being strategic” was the leadership behavior most important to their organization’s success. However, a lot of executives don’t feel that they have time to be strategic. Inkjet purchases are a case excample where strategic intent is often marred by tactical execution. We can do better!

One of the fastest-growing applications in wide-format and industrial printing is textures, and while a lot has been written about how these kinds of materials are printed, typically using UV flatbed wide-format printers, not much has been said about the front end of the required process when developing inkjet imaged home décor such as flooring and window covering.

Plumb Marketing charts a course for continued growth through investment in multiple types of inkjet technology and diversification of their services and applications.

COASO utilizes Memjet’s DuraFlex™ printing technology to develop a new class of high-performance label printer