The future of printing was hotly contested at last month’s IPEX – the printing world’s annual get together at Birmingham’s NEC. The topic on most people’s lips was that of the ongoing battle between B2 digital (inkjet) and litho press (offset) printing.
Fujifilm remains the inkjet’s biggest advocate with their launch of the Jet Press 720 at IPEX. Keith Dalton, Graphic Systems director at Fujifilm, claims the Jet Press 720 fulfills a need in the short-run market. Furthermore it is claimed that the inkjet can cut paper waste by 50% and has a carbon footprint around 25% smaller than offset, giving digital a more environmentally friendly appeal.
This positive sentiment is echoed by Tim Taylor, marketing manager at Screen Europe. Taylor believes there is a definite need for more cost effective short-run work which the B2 inkjet provides. Adding to this the inkjet allows for personalisation, something which Taylor believes all companies should at least have the option to do.
However, there are many that believe the existing offset already caters for the short-run needs that the inkjet is targeting. Neil Handforth, from Apex Digital Graphic says the existing offset can handle the short run jobs with their “very effective and efficient turnaround times.” Andrew Tribute, a PrintWeek columnist agrees with Handforth and remains unconvinced by the inkjet. Tribute claims the only advantage of the inkjet is being makeready, which cannot compensate for the higher costs associated with digital. The full PrintWeek Article can be found at printweek.com.
So with all this debate, where does Solopress stand on the issue? Well we believe that in the past litho has been superior to inkjet, in both quality and cost at high runs. However, now inkjet is quickly becoming a real contender with more flexibility during the run and easier personalisation: inkjet makes it possible to print 1,000 leaflets with different names on each, in any font, style or colour.
We support the Fujifilm argument that for short runs, digital is better in terms of cost effectiveness. We have managed to lower our short run prices because we have invested in two Xerox machines. This proves that the main challenge of inkjet cost is being overcome.
Essentially there are advantages and disadvantages with both inkjet and offset. Litho offers cheaper prices for long run and higher quality. Digital is still very much up and coming, but offers shorter print operator training times, and as prices continue to drop and quality increases it is sure to become a real competitor. Here at Solopress we believe the future does seem to be digital.
If in doubt please ask us which method we believe is best for your job. We’ve got an experienced client team who can give advice and balance your budget requirement against quality control.
