When it comes to printing technologies, innovation never stops. The casual observer might not think much has changed in the printing industry in recent years, but many new print technologies have emerged that will soon revolutionize the way documents—and even objects—are produced.
Being in the know about upcoming and transformative printing technologies gives you a competitive advantage and ensures you’ll have access to the latest advancements when the timing is right for your business.
Here are some of the emerging printing trends to look out for:
The future of digital printing is bright – More and more commercial print service suppliers are turning from offset printing to digital print technology. While offset printing uses aluminum plates to transfer the image onto a rubber ‘blanket’ then rolls that image onto a sheet of paper, with digital print technology liquid ink is transferred directly onto a the surface with no manual setup. Offset printing has long been the most popular high-volume commercial printing technology, but that popularity has waned. Digital printing is better suited to the changing demands of print buyers, which includes lower run lengths and faster turnaround times. According to a study by Smithers Pira, digital print volume is forecasted to grow by 68 percent between 2008 and 2018.
When it comes to functions, more is more – Why buy or lease a single-function printer when a multifunction printer (MFP) does much more than just print? According to research by International Data Corporation (IDC), the majority of companies agree, as MFP shipments have surpassed single-function device shipments. This lead is expected to widen in coming years, with businesses seeking out the cost efficiencies provided by these ‘Swiss Army Knives’ of the office that offer printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and a wealth of software to propel workflow efficiency all in one device.
An abundance of exciting printable techniques – There’s no shortage really cool things that can be done with printers these days. DTG (direct-to-garment printing) makes it possible for you to affordably print directly onto t-shirts, hats, or hoodies. Sublimation printing enables you to apply an image onto hard-surfaced items—such as mugs, tiles, and license plates—by converting a solid to a gas without going through a liquid form. And today’s printing technology allows you to print on just about anything, including media from vinyl to cardboard to fiberboard.
The print industry is not static. It is constantly changing and evolving to meet consumer needs and demands. Contact us today to learn more about these emerging printing trends and how they can benefit your business.