Emergence of New Digital Printing Technologies Over the past decade, digital printing has rapidly advanced with the emergence of newer technologies that have made the printing process more efficient and cost-effective. Where previously digital printing was limited to basic text and graphics, modern digital presses are capable of producing high-quality images at extremely high speeds. Continuous feed inkjet printers first emerged in the late 1990s and were able to print variable data on a range of substrates like paper, plastic, and more.
These printers use inkjet printheads arranged in a line to deposit microscopic ink droplets in the desired pattern. With advances in piezoelectric inkjet nozzle technology, the print quality and speeds of these printers increased substantially. Another key technology is toner-based printers that use electro photographic process similar to traditional laser printers but at an industrial scale. These Digital Printers are ideal for short-run variable data printing of materials like books, catalogs, and marketing collateral. Trend Towards Streamlined Printing Workflow Along with advances in printing hardware, software solutions have also enhanced to make the entire digital print workflow more integrated and efficient. PDF workflow software allows prepress operators to easily impose, manipulate, and archive PDF files to optimize them for different print jobs. Improved Rip/workflow software precisely interprets PDF files and drives digital printers for reliable output. Additionally, management systems give printers real-time visibility into production with tools for cost estimation, job tracking, inventory, and more. The usage of cloud and SaaS-based solutions has further streamlined collaborative printing where designers and clients can review proofs online and feed real-time approvals. These software innovations empower printers to seamlessly manage high volumes of variable and personalized print jobs with minimal human intervention. Expanding into New Applications and Markets Equipped with higher speeds, capabilities, and streamlined workflow, digital printers are finding success in applications that traditionally relied on offset litho printing. Applications like books, catalogs, and DIRECT MAIL are increasingly adopting digital printing for its quick turnarounds and personalized capabilities. Event ticketing, labels and packaging are other industries benefiting from the cost advantages of short-run and on-demand print production using digital presses.
Environmental sustainability is also driving the use of digital printing which involves less prepress activities, plates, and chemical waste compared to analog printing. Geographically, developing markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America present major opportunities for digital printing adoption as businesses look for affordable print solutions without large capital investments. As performance and economics of digital printing continually improve, its scope will only widen across core as well as new emerging print applications worldwide. Impacting Business Models in the Printing Industry The flexible and on-demand nature of digital printing combined with online ordering and delivery platforms is enabling new transaction-based business models in the printing sector. Traditional commercial printers are transforming into digital print service providers (PSPs) that offer an array of print, fulfillment and logistic services through a SaaS-enabled platform. This allows their SMB customers to order wide-format posters, booklets, mailers and more at the click of a button based on usage rather than large print jobs.
At the same time, established printer manufacturers are transitioning into full-service solution providers offering not just hardware but complete digital presses with integrated workflow, software, and service capabilities delivered via a cloud model. As printing activity moves towards an online, on-demand model, streamlined digital infrastructure will be critical for PSPs and vendors alike to stay relevant and cater to the changing business requirements of their customers. Overall digital transformation of the industry is creating new synergies between content, software, and service-led business propositions around printing that ensures its sustained growth. Overall the digital printing industry has come a long way driven by rapid innovations that enhance print quality, speeds and optimization of the entire workflow. This has helped printing move from large-run offline jobs towards flexible on-demand and personalized production. Emerging technologies will continue propelling these capabilities to newer heights thereby expanding digital printing into new frontiers worldwide.
At the same time, cloud-driven business models are reshaping the industry dynamics and enabling transactional, online printing services catered for modern-day requirements. As these technological and strategic changes disrupt established models, it will be vital for printing companies to adeptly transform and adapt their propositions to remain competitive in this digital era.
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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