Our lives are changing and so are the prints we order and produce. Inkjet is unique not only in the breadth of print applications addressed, but also in the range of devices, from inexpensive entry-level solutions to high-end, lights-out production lines. This can take away the risk of moving into new print applications and allows exploring new opportunities for print.
There are now more than eight billion people on this planet. We can travel and exchange data and information around the globe. Our habits and our communication have changed. It is no surprise that print is changing as well. While some traditional print applications are fading away, others are remarkably resilient, while new application areas keep popping up.
Printing companies are adapting to this trend and are adding additional print applications as brands are looking for new ways to promote, publishers to distribute content and consumers to embellish their living. Demand can come from all kinds of customer groups, especially for small runs and quick turnaround times. Nowadays, a web presence makes it easy to showcase and promote new products, with recommendation algorithms - it will be AI in the future - aiming at upselling or presenting additional products.
One challenge remains: these new applications need to be produced first. Sometimes a partnership with another print service supplier is the best option. In other cases, keeping production capacity in-house makes more sense to be quick, flexible, and retain more of the value-adding processes. Especially equipment that can be used for a variety of applications or that offers a low investment point can be helpful to take advantage of new opportunities.
As a print technology analyst, I am still surprised to find inkjet at the heart of so many possibilities. Inkjet helped to democratize the printing equipment market, as a supplier can choose and combine inkjet heads, inks, drying, and substrate support from a wide array of providers. There are more than 20 inkjet head manufacturers and a much larger number of inkjet ink manufacturers active in the industry. Substrate transport can be sourced from many companies, and even old printing or finishing equipment can be repurposed. Furthermore, there are inherent technological advantages in inkjet: it is a true non-impact process and can, at least theoretically, print on a wide range of substrates and shapes.