The world of printing today is completely pervaded by digitalisation: paradoxically, the so-called traditional machines are too, since, with the exception of the output, a large part of their architecture includes electronics, automation, remote management systems and even artificial intelligence which are the results of digitalisation. With this premise in mind, if we return to the widely discussed contrast between analogue and digital—more practically, between offset and inkjet—this distinction is increasingly outdated due to the growing convergence in performance. On one hand, offset technology continues to raise the bar for autonomous printing, with automatic plate changes, intelligent cleaning systems, fully automated colour management and quality control. This enables faster job changes, more efficient startups, and the profitable production of short runs. For its part, inkjet printing is pushing towards performances in terms of print quality, speed, productivity and reliability but also of media management, with these moving increasingly closer to characteristics that until a few years ago were the exclusive prerogative of traditional printing machines. And the same can be said for the formats: today, the possibility of printing on an ever wider range of materials with the added value of customisation, another element that is acquiring ever greater importance in all areas of digital printing.

How then can the pressroom be organised so that analogue and digital printing work as allies rather than rivals? By carrying out an assessment and optimising flows based on the types of orders is the first step to take. Then calculating the TCO of each printing system in the workflow and organising production so that orders are automatically directed to the machine capable of producing them, maximising efficiency and profitability.

Some of the companies exhibiting at Print4All commented as follows on these changes in the digital world:

"Our new B3 and B2 sheet-fed inkjet technologies are perfect examples of Canon's commitment to continuing to push the boundaries of production and supporting the commercial printing market. With the two new printers we are demonstrating our strength in a segment of which we were pioneers, promoting the development of the market itself also thanks to the success of the varioPRINT iX3200. We want to extend the benefits of inkjet to all PSPs, regardless of their production volumes – whether they are converting their volumes from inkjet technologies or hybrid production,” says Jennifer Kolloczek, Senior Director, Marketing & Innovation, Production Printing, Canon EMEA.

“The inkjet solutions of Kyocera Document Solutions, when integrated into the production flows of commercial and publishing printing companies, offer high efficiency and quality in the most economical routine orders, preserving the efficiency of high-productivity systems” explains Alessandro Mambretti, Expert Production Print Solutions at Kyocera Document Solutions Italia. “The TASKalfa Pro models are positioned as ideal allies for offset machines and toner or web digital printers, facilitating a sustainable digital transition in the graphic arts sector. Another strong point of the TASKalfa Pro systems is their low energy consumption, minimal waste production and the use of highly sustainable water-based inks, making Kyocera inkjet machines an eco-friendly choice for businesses. Furthermore, thanks to the advantageous TCO, these solutions are an excellent resource for optimising the profitability of print service providers, ensuring high margins even in the production of standard jobs”.

“The digital transition sees Ricoh as a protagonist “explains Antonio Maiorano, Graphic Communication Director at Ricoh Italia “as a complete supplier of technological solutions for inkjet printing, starting from the heads and print engines, through the inks and imaging electronics up to the workflow. A know-how that translates into technological assets on which Ricoh's uniqueness and competitiveness are based. This is demonstrated by the latest announcements that have allowed Ricoh to enrich its portfolio in the graphic art and industrial segments with new production printing systems. These include the RICOH Pro Z75, known as the “Dragon”, the first sheet-fed B2 inkjet platform with automatic double-sided printing that uses water-based ink; RICOH Pro VC80000, also known as “Harpy Eagle”, thanks to its AI capabilities and Ricoh’s new generation print heads. In addition to the latest addition, the new RICOH Pro VC40000 monochrome roll-fed inkjet printer.