Digital Printing
Dispelling the Myths of Digital Corrugated Printing
In this article, Ben Ginesi, European sales manager for digital corrugated packaging at Domino, dispels some common misconceptions about digital corrugated
here are often misconceptions about the economics of running a digital printing process for corrugated packaging, viewed through the lens of the conventional technologies that converters are familiar with today.
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MYTH #1: DIGITAL IS MORE COMPLEX THAN TRADITIONAL PRINTING METHODS Many corrugated converters have printed the same way in the corrugated industry for decades and will be well-versed in the process. Many believe that the transition to digital will be difficult, as it requires stepping away from the familiar and embracing a completely different process.
However, in practice, the digital printing process is more straightforward and shorter than both flexo and litho; you send the digital artwork to the press and the press prints it, which is both far easier and more efficient than the time-consuming mechanical setup of a traditional process.
MYTH #2: DIGITAL PRINTING CONSUMABLES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE Ink for digital presses can indeed be more
expensive than consumables for flexo or litho print. However, the cost of ink per litre can be a misleading indicator of the total running cost of digital printing equipment. An ink that may seem expensive at first glance often proves to be better value, as better substrate coverage reduces ink consumption, lowering the cost per square metre. The need for primer as a consumable also feeds into the running cost and inks that do not require pre-coating may deliver considerable savings.
MYTH #3: DIGITAL PRESSES HAVE A LARGE FOOTPRINT AND REQUIRE A SPECIALISED SPACE
Corrugate converters researching digital printing presses are often concerned about the equipment’s size and wonder if they have the space and resources to create a controlled cleanroom environment in which to run a corrugated printing press. While size can be an issue with some digital corrugated presses, there are presses on the market that use fast-drying inks that only require compact drying modules, greatly reducing the overall footprint. In addition, some presses feature internal environmental controls for temperature and dust extraction, eliminating the need for a cleanroom, which means you can effectively place the press alongside the traditional presses in your facility.
MYTH #4 - FINDING A DIGITAL PRESS OPERATOR IS DIFFICULT The skills and knowledge gap in the print industry, widening as experienced professionals retire, is a key challenge for converters, so recruiting a digital press operator may seem daunting.
However, a digital press operator requires a completely different set of skills than a traditional printing professional. No technical know-how specific to the printing industry is
required to run a digital press, meaning that converters benefit from access to a much wider pool of potential candidates. Given the predominance of digital devices in everyday life, even someone without prior experience in the printing industry could easily adapt to operating a digital press.
MYTH #5 – THE ROI FOR ANY DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS IS THE SAME While the general benefits of digital printing versus traditional printing methods are well known, the same cannot be said for the return on investment (ROI). Converters should pay particular attention to the total cost of ownership, as running costs can vary greatly. Digital presses combine various, often proprietary, technologies that all factor into the ROI. How much of a contribution they make can vary greatly: • Some fast-drying ink formulations proactively contribute to lower energy consumption thanks to reduced drying time;
• Printheads and ink sets that provide excellent coverage in a single pass can reduce overall ink consumption;
• Environmental controls on-board a press eliminate the need for maintaining a controlled environment in a larger space, such as a custom-built cleanroom.
CONCLUSION
There are many misconceptions about investing in digital corrugated printing equipment and converters are often surprised when they discover the reality of running a digital printing process, from staffing and consumables to the all-important ROI. Converters should look beyond the myths and partner with a trusted digital printing provider for a genuine appraisal of the ROI for their corrugated print application, a strong partner who will support them as they identify the new business opportunities digital print offers.
26
November 2024
www.convertermag.com
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