The progress of digital printing technology and the expansion of application fields
2023-09-21
Although digital printing technology has made huge breakthroughs in the past few years, it is still in a stage of continuous development and evolution. In June 2023, European carton giant Thimm announced that they will invest in a second HP PageWide T1195i digital press for printing corrugated boxes. This marks an important move by Thimm to use digital printing technology to improve production efficiency and sustainability.
The introduction of the HP PageWide T1100 press opens up the possibility of combining digital printing and flexo printing technologies. The design of the press allows flexo printing units to be installed between the inkjet printing unit and the rewinder, thereby increasing production efficiency. Michael Weber, head of strategy at Thimm, said the hybrid design of the new press enables spot-color varnishing and full-surface color, while combining with digital printing in a sustainable manner, saving resources.
Koenig & Ball is another company leading the application of hybrid printing technology. They partnered with Italian flexo manufacturer Celmacch to introduce a corrugated digital postprint system. The system combines single-channel inkjet with flexo printing to achieve high-coverage spot colors while changing as needed for continuous-tone images and text. This hybrid technology not only increases production efficiency, but also reduces the overall cost of ink.
In the narrow format market, hybrid printing technology is also widely used. Many inkjet printers are equipped with flexo primers, expanding the range of substrates that can be used for high-quality printing. Some lines also include post-press and decorative units to meet the needs of one-off label production. Several companies are developing hybrid production lines, such as Domino's working with flexo suppliers to launch hybrid printing solutions. In addition, manufacturers such as Bobst and Geras are also developing hybrid inkjet printers in-house, offering a wider range of application options.
Hybrid printing technology combines the flexibility and versatility of digital printing with the reliability and precision of traditional printing and deep processing technologies. Through the control and monitoring of an integrated production line, hybrid printing technology improves production efficiency and quality. At the same time, inkjet printing is more cost-effective at higher operating speeds than flexo printing, especially suitable for the production of multiple versions such as labels, armbands and corrugated paper.
With the continuous advancement of digital printing technology and the expansion of application fields, hybrid printing technology will bring more opportunities and challenges to all walks of life. Whether it is carton production or label manufacturing, digital printing technology will continue to promote the development of the industry and create higher value and competitive advantages for enterprises.