DPS Oct 23

Coming Out On Top

In the midst of a busy Fall season as an industry and individuals, we look forward to the structure and normalcy that is often set aside for Summer. However, we can’t get stagnant and should use this time to find ways to improve on the status quo.

dpsmagazine.com

Volume 25, Number 6 • ISSN: 1529-2320

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Thomas Tetreault 978-921-7850

EDITOR

Cassandra Balentine cbalentine@rockportpubs.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Melissa Donovan mdonovan@rockportpubs.com

ART DIRECTOR

Sarah M. White swhite@rockportpubs.com

WEB EDITOR

Melissa Mueller

CONTRIBUTORS

One way to do this is to evaluate workflow—a topic unique to each organization. Web to print (W2P) is an important part of workflow, which is customer facing and extends to ordering. In this issue we look at the different editing and design functionalities integrated into W2P systems, as well as the role of cloud-based design solutions like Adobe Express and Canva in Designing Online. Find a Target Chart of W2P functionality following this feature.

Custom cutting is increasingly in demand for short-run work. We highlight three different ways to digitally die cut in our cover story, Finishing with Flair This article discusses advantages and limitations of rotary die cutters, flatbed cutters, and laser cutting systems.

In this issue’s Spotlight column we chat with Advantage Direct about its use of expanded ink stations for direct mail work to create speciality finishes. Read more in Taking Advantage of Digital.

Finally, we present a preview of the upcoming Printing United trade show, happening this October in Atlanta, GA. Find more coverage online at dpsmagazine.com.

Kemal Carr, Olivia Cahoon, Gina Ferrara, Mark Hanley

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However, we can’t get stagnant and should use this time to find ways to improve on the status quo.

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Heading to Atlanta

Print Professionals Convene this Fall

By Cassandra Balentine

Printing United brings together several segments of print to one location. Here’s a sampling of what to expect on the show floor this October to help you strategize. Find extended show coverage online at dpsmagazine.com.

On the Floor

Here are vendor highlights expected from the show floor.

Aleyant, booth B17012, empowers print businesses with software and unmatched support to eliminate manual processes and foster profitable growth. Its automation print software reduces manual touches, errors, and production time. Connect online design to business to consumer and business to business online web to print storefronts. Integrate your print store to estimating, production management, and customer service and prepress automation. INFO# 300

AFFORD, booth B12106, displays its range of digital printing inks. With a focus on its play-and-plug solutions for direct to film, eco-solvent, and UV-curable printers, AFFORD shows its portfolio of solutions including chipped cartridges, bags, or bottles. A range of screen printing

inks, pad printing inks, UV flexographic inks, and UV varnishes and coatings are also displayed. INFO# 301

AirTrim, booth B910, features the AirFlex family of portable trim waste removal systems. These machines are versatile enough to handle paper, plastic, film, and foil on a continual basis. With three sizes, there is an AirFlex to accommodate any machine capacity, plant layout, and budget. INFO# 302

ASLAN, booth C2461, highlights the glittering film SparkleColour ASLAN SC 123, the flocked decorative film CaressColour ASLAN CC 124, and the protective laminate MagicProtect Matt ASLAN SL 99 with its unique spray paint-repellent and anti-sticker surface.

INFO# 303

Baumer hhs, booth B1233, features its Aerto applicator for cleaner cutoff of fugitive gluing applications. The company

also features camera-based verification of printed codes, as well as water scoring technology to allow for the best folding of onserts. Learn how Baumer’s gluing and verification technologies improve your key performance indicators and overall equipment effectiveness targets through cleaner glue application and longer runtimes. INFO# 304

BOBST, booth B17059, highlights its printing and converting technologies portfolio, including the DIGITAL MASTER series and the MASTER M6, while talking to visitors about their specific needs and challenges. INFO# 305

Canon U.S.A., Inc., booth B4033, showcases its range of solutions and printing innovations. Making its U.S. trade show debut is the imagePRESS

1. locr illustrates geo-based services in booth B9104.

2. Xeikon features digital print production solutions in booth B14057.

V1350 digital press, a versatile, high-volume production press. Also witness the newly introduced Colorado M-series with UVgel White Ink, which helps eliminate many hassles associated with white ink, as well as the versatility and efficiency of the imagePROGRAF printers. Explore the Arizona 2300 XTF flatbed printer equipped with FLOW technology and wrap up with a dive into the latest advancements of PRISMA workflow solutions, designed to help users optimize digital printing and large format processes. Engage with Canon’s industry experts who are eager to share their insights and help you use Canon solutions to elevate your business.

INFO# 306

The Challenge Machinery Company, booth B10039, displays a comprehensive line up of paper cutting equipment. The company features its CHAMP 185Pro hydraulic paper cutter, which brings large cutter strength and accuracy to the 18-inch cutting market. Fully programmable with a seven-inch, color touchscreen interface, this 120v machine rolls through standard 36-inch doorways. INFO# 307

Crawford Technologies, booth B1756, showcases how artificial intelligence transforms application onboarding and job setup for transactional and repetitive workflows. Highlighted products include tools that streamline job onboarding. Visitors will also see live demonstrations that showcase the power of Crawford Technologies’ SmartSetup, a no-code

software solution that reduces file sizes by 90 percent; and cloud offerings like PRO DocNow, a fully automated and audited software as a service solution for document reengineering. INFO# 308

Customer’s Canvas by Aurigma, booth B7024, unveils the newest features of its web to print platform including advanced product management capabilities, expanded packaging support, and dynamic three-dimensional previews. INFO# 309

DirectMail2.0, booth B1745, continually accelerates omni-channel marketing advancements to bring responsive, fully trackable, and attributed direct mail campaigns to businesses, agencies, and commercial printers of all sizes. Discover the company’s latest updates such as TargetMatch with Addressable Geo, EnterpriseLevel API Integrations, Email Notifications, SOC-2 Certification, and DM20. ai, a predictive analytics platform built to improve omni-channel marketing results through machine learning. INFO# 310

Duplo USA, booth B11013, offers demonstrations of its growing line of automated print embellishment, packaging, and finishing equipment for both small and B2 formats. INFO# 311

DuPont, booth C553, shows how Artistri digital inks combine DuPont proprietary dispersions, polymers, and ink formulations for the most innovative digital inks in advanced printing. INFO# 312

Durst, booth B11033, showcases its Production Excellence solutions. Its offerings provide end-to-end coverage of entire printing production processes. It will have a selection of innovative printing systems

as well as its advanced software solutions demonstrating full coverage “From Pixel To Output.”

INFO# 313

eProductivity Software, booth C1954, shows attendees how to experience the power of streamlined workflows. Whether you’re looking to enhance ecommerce capabilities, streamline print management with MIS/ ERP, optimize estimating and scheduling, gather critical data insights, or supercharge your mailing processes, eProductivity has you covered. INFO# 314

Epson, booth C2847, showcases solutions ideal for a variety of printing applications including the new SureColor F2270 hybrid direct to garment and direct to film printer along with a sneak peak of new technology. With the theme of the “Seventy5 Video Arcade,” attendees can play arcade games, drink coffee, and see live product demonstrations. INFO# 315

Fiery, booth C2646, showcases how the digital front end (DFE) is essential for all digital print, unifying the print room to drive productivity and press performance. Fiery demonstrates the new Fiery FS600 Pro platform, featuring enhanced automation, color, and job processing tools to increase employee and print system efficiency. Also see the new Fiery Command WorkStation 7, a central job management solution that connects to all Fiery driven cutsheet, large format, or high-speed inkjet printers to automate and consolidate print production processes. INFO# 316

GBC/SEAL, an ACCO Brands company, booth B10011, features a range of products from ACCO Brands including TruSens air purifiers, which are designed to improve indoor air quality in large professional spaces. INFO# 317

GEW, booth B1332, works alongside its North American distributor, GMH UV, to highlight its offerings for the commercial printing market. GEW offers both UV LED and mercury arc UV solutions for these applications. LeoLED, its watercooled UV LED solution, can be fitted in all positions on sheetfed printing presses

3. Ricoh displays the RICOH Pro C9500 in booth B1916.

with both a compact and a cassette version available. GEW’s water-cooled arc UV product, E4C, can be installed alongside LeoLED using GEW’s ArcLED technology, when requested by the printer. This allows for arc UV and UV LED lamps to be interchanged seamlessly on the same printing press. INFO# 318

Global Garage, booth B13097, highlights how it is a marketplace for used wide and grand format printing equipment from Agfa to Zünd and every manufacturer in between. INFO# 319

Global Imaging, booth B18033, discusses the newest products on the market like T3 Systems, Durst, Kongsberg, Summa, DigiTech, and Rexframe. INFO #320

Graphic Whizard, booth B2923, highlights its SinaJet digital die cutters and other finishing equipment. INFO # 321

Hybrid Software Group, booth B8079, highlights its six business units—HYBRID Software for label/packaging workflows; iC3D 3D visualization; ColorLogic GmbH color management;

Global Graphics Software RIP technology; Xitron RIPs/workflows driving most popular output devices; and Meteor Inkjet electronics, software, and systems driving industrial inkjet. INFO# 322

Infigo, booth B7051, invites attendees to take a look at the flexibility within its web to print platform, which allows for quick and effective storefronts that capture personalized orders even when you’re not working. Seamless integrations with solution providers like CERM, Hybrid, Enfocus, and Esko help to streamline workflows and create a hands-off approach to print production. INFO# 323

InSoft Automation, booth B9098, introduces Imp Version 13 with a powerful invention—“no-mix ganging.” For the first time Print Estimation is Industry 4.0 standard. In Version 13 handsfree “Quotation—Imposed Layouts—Job Card” generation is a reality. INFO# 324

IST America, booth B15045, features LEDCure, Traditional LAMPCure, Low Energy, Excimer, and Hybrid UV technology for sheetfed, wide web, narrow web, digital, and industrial applications. UV LED curing solutions from IST INTECH are also featured in the booth. INFO#325

INX International, booth B1944, offers an array of innovative advanced digital solutions including premium inkjet inks and digital printing systems as well as sustainable packaging inks and color management expertise. INFO# 326

Komori Corporation, booth B915, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Highlighting its history of pushing the print industry forward with innovative technologies, Komori displays an original Komori press from the 1930s, showing the stark contrast of developments in automation today. Komori shares many ways print providers can expand their revenue stream by offering new solutions in packaging and commercial print with Komori’s portfolio of offset presses that cover the complete range of today’s print requirements. INFO# 327

Kyocera, booth B16033, showcases the TASKalfa Pro 15000c and its growing portfolio of inkjet solutions. Its booth offers product demonstrations of the TASKalfa Pro 15000c, chances to meet the teams responsible for its latest inkjet developments, and a preview of its latest commerical inkjet innovation. INFO# 328

locr GEOservices and MAPS, booth B9104, offers personalized maps to show customers the way and geo-based services for more efficient and sustainable print and cross media campaigns. Keep an eye out for the company’s Atlanta guide with places worth visiting across the city.

INFO# 329

MBO America, booth B915, displays a range of finishing solutions that offer greater automation; faster makeready; idle time and downtime reduction; overall increased productivity; and ultimately increased profits. Highlighted products include the new MBO 23-inch Rollfed Folding Line for direct mail, a new Rollfed Stitching Line for booklets, and the Bograma Rotary Diecutter BSR550 for packaging and commercial finishing. Additionally, MBO unveils a new line of finishing modules, soon to be available in 2024. INFO# 330

MGX, booth B10092, features its extensive portfolio of pressure-sensitive films, synthetic paper, styrene, polyester, and rigid vinyl for lithographic and digital press technologies. INFO# 331

Muller Martini, booth B1617, invites attendees to step into a smart factory world this year. The company is setting the stage for you to explore and interact with digital equipment Connex workflow systems. Gain firsthand insights into the advantages of seamless integration. Witness the harmony between workflow and technology, demonstrating the value of a connected, efficient, future-ready print finishing environment. INFO# 332

Nobelus, booth B11087, runs the Komfi Amiga 52 Double, a thermal laminator that can perform single-sided and inline double-sided lamination. The Komfi Amiga Emboss, an ideal laminator for adding a traditional silver halide luster to digitally printed photos, is also featured. Visitors to the booth are invited to feel the rugged, sandy roughtouch finish of FineGrit Laminate and see a variety of samples from the newly

launched Flexible Packaging Film Portfolio. INFO# 333

OneVision, booth B1309, demonstrates its modular automation software and highlights the power of connecting and automating production processes— a key to greater efficiency and production reliability for print service providers. INFO# 334

Plockmatic-Morgana, booth B1333, highlights the full range of Morgana document finishing devices and new packaging/cutting solutions. Modeled for efficiency, versatility, and productivity the company’s booklet making systems continue to expand capabilities, now up to 224 pages with the PowerSquare line-up, and with 11x8.5-inch landscape functionality, or up to 11x11-inch format. The BM4000 and BM5000 series, all fed by its VFX Feeder with optional bar code reading, offer a solution to

meet the requirements of most applications packed into a compact design footprint. The company’s new ColorCut branded packaging and labeling solutions and offline coating technologies are also demonstrated throughout the show. INFO# 335

Printware, booth B1455, highlights the iJetColor 1175 and iJetcolor 1175 Pro. INFO# 336

Quadient, booth B721, showcases two new color digital printers. The MACH 7 digital printer is a full-color tabletop inkjet printing system designed to run envelopes, mailers, and flats with 1,200 dpi print quality and pigmented HP inks that provide over 11 inches of print width, bleed capability, extra contrast, and durability. Additionally, Quadient’s new inline MACH 9DS solution is shown running with Quadient’s popular DS-700iQ inserter to produce dynamically matched and

vibrant full-color envelopes in a single intelligent process to improve productivity and profitability. INFO# 337

Ricoh Graphic Communications, booth B1916, features an immersive TMI is BEAUTIFUL art gallery, featuring museum-quality prints created by a diverse group of artists and produced using Ricoh’s printing technology. On display is the first public debuts of its next-generation flagship press, the RICOH Pro C9500, the allnew RICOH Pro C7500 5th Color Series, the new RICOH Auto Color Adjustor, and the EFI Pro 30H. INFO# 338

Rollem, booth B2107, offers live demonstrations of its finishing products, including the Jetstream automated XY Slit/ Score/Perf system, plus a new economical Champ990 Slit/Score/Perf system for shorter runs. Rollem’s Advantage Folding/ Gluing system operates near-line or inline with most Rollem systems. Rounding out the demonstrations is the Semi-Slitter, designed for kiss cutting of pressure-sensitive decals and labels. INFO# 339

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (Sharp), booth B17013, showcases its new digital press technologies. Sharp shares major advancements in its production print capabilities with the preview of the first in a new line of digital printing presses built on proven technology, and a showing of its newly launched Pro Series light production models with exciting new features. The Color BP Digital Press Series is specifically made for designers and print operators who want to level up their printing game. The presses boast speeds of up to 120 pages per minute, are equipped with a powerful Fiery digital front end, and print up to six colors in one pass, including CMYK, gold, silver, bright pink, textured, and clear toners. The new Pro Series light production models are the first to offer optional Fiery Print Servers that utilize the latest Fiery Platforms and are designed and built for the print-on-demand market and span across all industries that have central reprographics departments or in-plant print facilities.

INFO# 340

SmartSoft , booth B2951, shows the latest updates to PressWise, its all-inone Print MIS, Web Storefront, and Print Automation platform. This includes new integration with PlanProphet, the CRM platform tailored to the print industry, PCIcompliant payment handling, as well as numerous other enhancements throughout the entire PressWise platform.

INFO# 341

Standard Finishing Systems, booth B2532, brings its diverse line of Hunkeler and Horizon feeding and finishing solutions. Its booth hosts live demonstrations of die cutting, perfect binding and trimming, slitting and creasing, folding, saddlestitching, and roll-fed print solutions including a Hunkeler/Horizon Rollto-Cut solution featuring the Hunkeler UW8 Unwinder and CS8 Cutter inline with the Horizon StitchLiner Mark V Saddlestitcher producing stitched booklets from pre-printed rolls. INFO# 342

Vanguard, booth B11049, invites attendees to come see a new Vanguard Digital. It showcases the diversity of its portfolio, bringing a solution for every print service provider. The company also unveils its latest flatbed printer. Booth features include VK3220T-HS, VKH900-HS, VKR3200-HS, and VR6DHS. INFO# 343

Xeikon, booth B14057, features digital print production solutions for the commercial/graphic arts, label, and packaging industries in its booth. The company offers both dry toner and UV inkjet technologies best suited to your work output. Stop by to see live-feed demonstrations and connect with one of its specialists. INFO# 344

Zund America, booth C2627, introduces Q-Line, the new and most advanced, fourth generation of Zünd Digital Cutting Systems designed for fully automated, non-stop, pallet-to-pallet production in packaging and display manufacturing. Also featured is all the latest #LetsTalkWorkflow innovations making digital cutting and finishing workflow automation more efficient, productive, and profitable than ever. INFO# 346

Lots to See

This is just a sampling of products expected at the upcoming Printing United show. Visit dpsmagazine.com for an expanded version of this preview with continued updates, as well as a wrap up in our November/December issue. dps

TakingAdvantage of Digital Commercial

Printerand Direct Mail

By Melissa Donovan

Digital presses offer efficiency in production, as well as specialty options. This is attractive for commercial printers serving the direct mail space. Not only can they rely on their printer to meet quick turnarounds, they can also offer customers standout pieces with features like fluorescent highlights or metallic undertones.

Expanding Direct Mail

Founded in 1981 out ofAsheville, NC,AdvantageDirect wasoriginallya franchised, quick print shop. Over the years, its success helped it grow into a consultative commercial print marketing companythat today offers a multitude ofservices-like direct mail-out ofa 10,000 square foot production facilityin Arden, NC.

Additional services include multicolor offset, digital, and wide format printing, as well as finishing equipment for die cutting, booklet making, and mailinserting-allunderoneroof. A staffof18employeesallowsAdvantage Direct to reach customers on a national level, offering everything from online storefronts and fulfillment to wide format displays and design.

Advantage Direct partners with clients in healthcare, education, real estate, outdoor recreation, and performing arts verticals. Each vertical presents a different requirement when looking for a new direct mail project, according to Daniel Durand, director ofsales, Advantage Direct. Two consistent requests the company sees from nearly every vertical include meeting quick turnarounds and standout graphics.

Themid-2000sthecommercialprinter wasconfrontedwiththeneedtoexpandits direct mail offering. More importantly, the staffrecognizedtheadvantages ofleveraging variable data in its work. In response, it brought in aXerox 260, but quickly realized it needed more capacity.

Over the years Advantage Direct has owned and operated a series of Xerox production presses including the ColorPress 800 and 1000. Today, it runs aXerox Iridesse Production Press, Xerox Versant 280 Press used for variable color envelopes, as well as two Xerox PrimeLink B9125 copier/printers for monochrome work.

- Daniel Durand, director of sales, Advantage Direct

1. & 2. Advantage Direct works with a portfolio of Xerox presses to produce product offerings like direct mail for its customers.

Oursuiteof Xeroxequipmentallows us to bring together a full direct mail packageefficiently.

Committed Customer

There were a number of reasons why Advantage Direct turned to Xerox initially and continues to rely on the vendor today. “Our suite of Xerox equipment allows us to bring together a full direct mail package efficiently. When Advantage Direct was looking to update equipment, Xerox had the answer to increasing efficiency and adding unique products,” explains Durand.

The Xerox Iridesse with Xerox Color FLX Technology offers up to six inline print stations that print in a single pass, at rated speed, with spot on color-to-color registration. The press is rated at up to 120 pages per minute (ppm) and up to 475K pages per month.

Advantage Direct’s Iridesse press is equipped with high-capacity feeding and stacking units, which is ideal for printing work more efficiently. Durand

gives the example of it being beneficial for long-run variable data postcards for college admissions.

The printer is outfitted with expanded ink stations, which allows for the addition of white, clear, metallic, and fluorescent pink. The team at Advantage Direct enjoys this feature because “it allows us to produce direct mail pieces on dark materials and speciality finishes,” shares Durand.

The Xerox Versant 280 is a mid-production press offering production printing of up to 47 inches at 80 ppm and 150,000 pages per month. Users can swap CMYK toners with specialty colors with the Xerox Adaptive CMYK Plus Kit. Print traditional digital applications with CMYK. Swap out toners for the Xerox Vivid Specialty Toner set to run metallics, white, and clear.

The Xerox Versant 280 in Advantage Direct’s location is used exclusively for variable color envelopes. “As part of our fulfillment and quick turn programs we inventory offset printed letter and postcard shells. This allows us to pull from inventory and print black, variable information on demand with our Xerox PrimeLink presses,” explains Durand.

Xerox PrimeLink B9125 copiers/ printers are designed to bridge the gap between high-performance office print and light production. The devices are available with more than a dozen feeding, stacking, and inline finishing options.

Direct Advantage

Advantage Direct is backed by its portfolio of Xerox presses to continue offering its clients quality service as well as impressive output. dps

e.cuSTOM CUTS THAT STAND ouT!J

mbellishments help create a tactile experience for the print recipient. In addition to specialty coatings, the shape of a printed piece also leaves an impression. And this is an attribute that scales-from business cards to packaging, wall decals, and life-sized posters and displays. No matter how you slice it, custom cuts level up a print.

By Cassandra Balentine

In this piece, we highlight some ofthe benefits and limitations of three types of die-cutting technologies well suited for digital print environments-rotary die cutting, flatbed cutters, and laser-based cutting equipment.

Rotary Die Cutting

Although not a digital process, rotary die cutting has a solid place in the digital print space, bringing speedy, custom

cuts at a lower cost per piece for longer, static runs that still fall within the sweet spot for digital volumes. Target environments include digital print shops, inplants, commercial printers, trade binders, manufacturing, and packaging and label manufacturers.

Key applications include invitation and greeting cards, gift card holders, Above: The Duplo UD-310 offers high-speed cutting forcustom-shapedjobs.

tags, coasters, door hangers, light packaging, stickers, and labels.

Benefits of rotary die cutting include fast turnaround times as well as repeatable, consistent cut pieces. Often the machines provide additional functions like embossing, kiss cutting, and even lamination in one pass.

“Die cutting is a versatile way to create, cut, shape, and form products from

a sheet,” shares Kevin Chen, product manager, Duplo USA.

Ease of use is another advantage, “Once the printer’s design and prepress team are trained, the design and ordering of flexible dies becomes an easier process than producing die board tooling for platen die-cutting machines,” offers Susan Corwin, director of marketing, Rollem International.

According to Don Dubuque, director of marketing, Standard Finishing Systems, modern rotary die cutters have a relatively low acquisition cost and do not require special considerations like proper venting. Rotary die cutters are also able to handle a range of substrates and can operate at higher speeds—even at scale.

Lance Martin, VP, marketing, MBO and Komori America, points out that die cutting has an inherent advantage to alternative technologies like flatbed die cutting because there is no need for nicks in the matrix to process. He explains, “the products exit the machine nick free and ready for shipping to the customer. The nick-less edges have high shelf appeal and there is no secondary labor required to remove the product from the matrix and scrap before shipment.”

There are limitations to consider, and Dubuque admits that rotary die cutters are less suited for producing variable patterns that change from piece to piece, such as security applications, compared to a solution like a laser cutter. “In addition, the rotary die cutters on the market now aren’t quite able to handle large format applications or heavy substrate applications as well as router cutters.”

“At this time rotary die cutting is focused on the B2 sheet size and smaller, so full B1 sheets, which are widely used in the offset market, must be cut in half prior to processing,” adds Martin.

Chris Van Pelt, president, Therm-OType, adds that certain materials, material thicknesses, and material coatings may not be suitable for finishing on a rotary die cutter using a flexible die.

Other limitations include the fact that flexible dies must be designed, purchased, and stored—and replaced if damaged or worn.

1. MBO America offers die cut systems for the production of mailers, advertisements, booklet labels, folders, greeting cards, folded boxes, and labels in one-up or multiple-up mode.

This can be looked at from a positive perspective as well, as print providers can develop a library of flexible dies to use repeatedly. “Users benefit from the longer life of flexible dies. Depending on the make up of the substrate being cut, dies can be used for hundreds or thousands of runs,” counters Corwin.

Compared with alternative technologies—like flatbed cutting and laser cutters, rotary die cutters offer certain advantages and disadvantages. “Rotary die cutters not only compete with laser and non-laser flatbed cutters, they also compete with cutter/slitters and right angle slitters,” comments Van Pelt.

However, next to to laser and non-laser flatbed cutters, he says rotary die cutters are faster and typically do not require manual sheet loading, unloading, and stripping. Compared to cutter/slitters and right angle slitters, rotary die cutters

produce products with round corners, decorative edges, or complex shapes.

Flatbed Cutting

Flatbed cutters are gaining attention in commercial, in plant, and packaging environments. This is due to proven versatility and the introduction of newer options with smaller footprints.

Tino Thür, digital marketing manager, BERHALTER Swiss Die-Cutting, says in general flatbed die cutting offers advantages in stacking, versatility, precision, customization, and efficiency.

Max Allen, dealer manager, Graphic Whizard, feels that some of the pain points associated with traditional die cutting are removed when using flatbed cutters, such as cost, turnaround time, accuracy, and software.

“With continued growth in digital printing comes equal growth in the

demand for efficient, highly productive digital cutting/finishing equipment. While order quantities and delivery times decline, the pressure for customization and personalization—areas where digital print and cut workflows are a particularly good fit—continues to increase. Well-designed and implemented automation elevates digital cutting systems to an industrial level, where reliable, efficient, non-stop productivity are a must,” shares Beatrice Drury, marketing and communications manager, Zund America, Inc.

Flatbed cutting devices target various applications in commercial print, trade finishers, folding carton, corrugate and display environments including custom boxes to pocket folders, foam board signage, as well as point of purchase displays. They are suitable for both large and small production volumes.

get dull, they must be refurbished or replaced,” comments Hower.

Speed may be another limitation. “A drag knife is slower than laser or rotary die cutting,” admits Fabrice Conq, global sales manager, Eclipse Label Equipment.

On the flip side, the setup time is faster for shorter runs with digital die cutting. “The setup time on traditional die cutters is far longer than the new digital systems. Not only can custom dies take days to produce, operators must devote more time into repairs and alignment than in a digital die system with built-in registration. With PDF files digital die cutters can create a oneoff custom die in a matter of minutes,” comments Allen.

Bell feels that limitations tend to arise when companies install new, faster printing equipment without considering that they’ll create a production bottleneck if they don’t increase their capabilities in terms of cutting/finishing. “One main limitation is automation, as often companies don’t want to invest in full automation immediately,” she says.

Laser Die Cutting

Besides blades and knives, laser technologies are utilized in the print industry to cut custom shapes.

Laser cutters cater to a range of applications, including labels and packaging.

Hower points to high precision as a top advantage of a laser cutter. “Laser die cutting is ideal for elaborate, complex designs that require close accuracy and finishing; while rotary and flatbed die cutting are restricted by how close blades may be positioned together.”

Secondly, it is prototype friendly. “When a rapid prototype is required, laser die cutting is easier and less expensive than acquiring and performing hard tooling,” shares Hower.

Also, files are treated the same as digital print files. “They can be ripped from almost any platform/RIP software on

the market or proprietary RIP engines and sent to the lasers,” shares Wesley Belmans, product manager, Grafotronic.

According to Vivien Kim, assistant marketing manager, Anytron, laser cutters offer cost savings by eliminating the need for new dies when designs change, reducing consumable costs for businesses. They also provide a range of cutting capabilities in a single pass, including full cut, half cut, perforation, and marking. “Unlike analog dies that require regular cleaning, laser cutters eliminate the need for cleaning, saving on labor costs and working time. It can effectively handle diverse materials that analog dies or knife cutters may struggle with, including thick and rigid materials like foam, adhesive-bonded materials such as VHB tape, and materials with special properties like reflective film.”

Conq agrees, noting that with laser cutting you get flexibility and speed— as well as the elimination of consumables. “Laser is a non-contact technology, therefore there is no wear and tear of the tools that can impact the quality of the cut. Laser provides a consistent cut over a very long period.”

Kim points out that due to the nature of laser cutting equipment, it is unable to cut media that contains metal. There is a risk of burn marks.

Hower admits laser doesn’t always get the cleanest cut. “Laser die cutting can result in laser ablation. To penetrate through a substance, the high-intensity laser beam melts or burns it, leaving some residue on the cut’s edge,” he warns.

Laser equipment also tends to come with a larger capital expenditure. “It is a larger financial investment, but return on investment is fast on larger volumes,” adds Conq.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Nearly every print shop relies on some form of cutting technology. As the need to stand out on the shelves and in mailboxs, enhancements like custom cuts become increasingly in demand. No matter how you decide to get there, a variety of technologies are available.

Find product highlights for each category of die cutters mentioned here online at dpsmagazine.com. dps

\NTEGRATED DESIGN AND W2P

By Cassandra Balentine

t is often the case that technology is only truly limited by creativity. While the tools exist to create high-impact, tactilegraphicsthatstandoutinmailboxes, on store shelves, billboards, andeventhefloor, agreatdesignthat isproperlyexecutedistherecipeforsuccesswhenitcomestoprintedoutput.

There are many layers to design and how print providers approach it. For some, print-ready files are the only way to go. Most print providers have designers on hand to at least preflight, while others staff designers as part of their serviceoffering.

Designtoolscontinuetoadvance, becomingmoreaccessiblewithinbusiness to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) web to print (W2P) platforms. Within W2P, this could be in the form of limited template-based editing options that, for example, are approved by a brand in a custom storefront and only accessible to a tiered range ofemployees; or freestyle platforms that offer the ability to utilize design tools in the cloud from a blank canvas or through thecustomizationofpre-madeofferings.

In any event, Dmitry Sevostyanov, CEO, Customer's Canvas, notes rising

demand for a streamlined, efficient processfromdesigntoprint. "Onlinedesign tools offer a fast and efficient platform fordesigncreationandedits,"heshares.

Branded Design

Many cloud-based design options are already found in W2P systems, mainly associatedwithB2Busage. Inthiscase, pre-approveddesigntemplatesareavailabletoemployeesor franchisesthrough branded,customstorefronts.Thedesign capabilities are set by administrators to ensure products fit within brand guidelinesbuteliminatemuchofthebackand

forth once required for requesting and proofing print products like business cards and marketing collateral through levelsofmanagement.

A majority of the collateral is designedandapprovedbymarketingteams but still require changes like personal information and different images based on user details. "Managing it manually takes a lot of time," comments Naresh Bordia, VP, global sales, OnPrintShop,

RadixSoftwareServicePvt. Ltd.,recall- 1 ing one client that served a customer withthousandsofemployees."Everyday theyweregetting20to30ordersofbusiness cards and their graphic designer hadtochangethedesignandsenditfor approval before printing. This process was time consuming and took days to completesmallorders," herecalls.

The integration of onlinedesignand editing tools are incorporated more frequently to streamline the design process,speed up ordering, and ensure files come over within required specifications. "Incorporating online design tools make things easier for the buyer and provides an option for those that may not have design in house," agrees CarissaSmith, marketing, NorthAmericaand Canada,Infigo.

Storefront Design

Inadditiontointegrateddesignandediting tools, many B2B-focused W2P solutions allowcustomerstochoosethemes and branded storefronts for companies/ employeesorderingthroughtheportals.

McGady feels that website templates and themes are important as they relate to W2P presence. This is because print providerslooktotemplatesandthemesto get their online presence up andrunning quicklywhilemaintainingbrandcontrol.

"Neverhavethesebeensoavailableor cost effective at entry level starting from WordPress/WooCommerce with W2P API plug-in tools. A working site could beupforunder$5,000thatcouldsecure thatsamevalueinwork permonthifthe

marketing and product types are right for the market. Most existing website technologies can support a link or pluginW2P API functionality," shares Kelvin Bell,salesdirector,Vpress.

Just like any business website, print providers should routinely update W2P branding, suggests Ben Parker, director of sales, Rochester Software Associates. "Brandingupdatescanbecompletedfora variety ofpurposes-tostayintouchwith users, promote the shop's value, update services and functionality, and keep pace withchangingdesignandwebtrends!'

Sevostyanov sees the demand for print shop website templates rising alongside the growth of W2P platforms. "These templates are designed to create professional, user-friendly online storefronts that enable customers to easily browse services, create and submitdesigns, and place orders.However, while there is a growing number of these templates available, finding one that perfectly fits a particular print shop's needs and workflows can still be achallenge.As such, some may choose to customize a template or develop a website from scratch to best match their specific requirements."

"Using well-thought out themes is a must for W2P stores," states Bordia. ''As of today, B2C and B2B client expectations are similar. All clients demand an 'Amazon' experience, so they always needmodernUI/UX,whichiseasytoorderandattractive."

Cloud-Based Design

Even before encountering a W2P platform, designers of all levels have access to intuitive, cloud-based design programs for free or for a nominal fee through emerging options like Adobe Express, Canva, and Picsart.Withthese tools,novicedesignerscreateanddownloadprofessional-lookinggraphics.With today'stools,theycanalsoscaleupwhat wasintendedtobea Facebook post toa posterthatcanbestrategicallyplacedor aprintedflyertodistribute.

Ricky Forizs, head of professional servicesandUX,Infigo, feelsthatcloudbased design tools are no different than local design tools. "You need to have an eye for detail and know the tools and how to use them to create something amazing.W2Ptailorstoanyandallskillsets. A creative customer can upload designs created in any other software and customers who don't have the creative skillset just go through easy-to-understand steps defined by designers to select a template, tweak, and add their own information, getting a high-quality resultintheend."

It is important to note that while standalone design tools like Canva and Adobe Express have certainly gained popularity for their ease-of-use and comprehensive design libraries, many feel that they do not eliminate the need

1. Customer's Canvas by Aurigma features an online W2P editor.

for integrated online design tools within W2P platforms. “This is primarily because integrated, design tools within W2P platforms are often tailored to the specific needs of the printing process, including aspects like print layout, color management, and print file formats. Additionally, integrated design tools streamline the workflow from design to print, ensuring a seamless process that standalone tools can’t fully replicate,” asserts Sevostyanov.

The consensus is that standalone cloud-based design tools are handy and enable design creation without graphic skills, which Bordia says may be acceptable for social media campaigns, online advertisements, and presentations; but for print on demand products, there are multiple type settings, formatting rules, and color spaces, which are critical in printing and are still a limitation in these online tools.

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Smith feels that while these types of tools won’t take the place of advanced design software, they do provide another option for design.

Forizs adds that a design tool within W2P has to offer a user benefit over and above established tool kits and it is difficult to see what that might be. “A ‘minimum touch point’ automated production benefits the printer but probably does not mean very much to the customer, particularly as designs submitted through W2P are often relatively straightforward.”

Limitations and Advantages

Design tools are increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI), poising them to grow exponentially over the next few years.

“The rapid developments in AI are set to make significant inroads in the role of design tools. A possible advantage is a

single point of access to design tools and print services, but to succeed the tools need to match the ‘best in breed’ otherwise the professional designer will not be engaged,” offers Camp.

Users in the B2B space may have a variety of design experience and time available to learn all the capabilities of the tools. For that reason, Parker feels it’s helpful to provide order placers/users with starter designs so they don’t have to develop an entire design on their own.

“Online design tools are highly accessible, allowing for quick and easy design edits without the need for specialized design knowledge or software. This can greatly speed up the design process and ensure a faster turnaround for printed materials. Furthermore, the integration of these tools into W2P platforms creates a seamless workflow from design to print, which can reduce errors and improve overall operational efficiency,” points out Sevostyanov.

Within W2P, design and editing tools make it easy to personalize quick to order. “Limitations are applied selectively to ensure high-quality results, easy step-by-step personalization, and quick ordering specifically oriented towards businesses who understand that time is money,” adds Forizs.

For solutions governed in accordance with the brand owner, Bell points out that there doesn’t need to be any additional software used and they can support controllable spend to approved supply chain. “Limitations are the ones put in place by the brand owner to maintain brand integrity as the software can handle most if not all design options that could be desirable.”

Therese McGady, marketing manager, and David Graves, VP of sales, Aleyant, point out that B2B-focused options that offer controlled storefronts with integrated design bring brand control, the ability

2. Infigo's online designer allows users to either personalize pre-defined templates or create a custom design from a completely blank canvas.

to have limited inventory, and ease of printing on demand while keeping up to date with branding and messaging.

“Limiting the options available when creating a design helps B2B customers choose the correct corporate standards for fonts, colors, and other assets when creating or modifying a design,” notes Parker. Templates are created to allow for creativity and limit options depending upon the experience level of the B2B target user population. In addition to allowing creativity, these solutions can also produce output that is print ready with imposition and bleed without the order placer needing to do know anything about these print production concepts.

To reduce errors, Smith points out that file requirements can be set to alert the buyer that the design file may not be up to specifications and can be adjusted before printing. This also helps the print provider as it removes the back-andforth email or discussion around the file.

Beyond Branded Templates

Standalone, cloud-based design tools, and any design functionality incorporated into W2P brings with it new potential.

Sevostyanov feels that integrating online design tools into W2P platforms aligns with the evolving nature of the printer/client relationship, which is moving towards greater transparency and trust. “By giving clients more control over the design process, printers foster a more collaborative relationship.”

“Customers can start with a blank canvas or be given a selection of premade starter templates that they can modify to create their own designs like flyers, posters, mailers, media posts, and ads,” explains Parker.

Camp sees a move away from integral designers to a growing demand for automated production of personalized documentation utilizing AI and managed data. “This approach maintains the brand, eliminates errors and the need for proofing, while saving many staff man-hours

INTEGRATED DESIGN

eProductivity Software (ePS) recently announced a partnership with Picsart, a digital creation platform. Embedding the Picsart Create Editor into its MarketDirect StoreFront Print eCommerce platform, users gain access to Picsart’s full design suite, allowing them to natively create and optimize designs directly on the ecommerce site. The partnership promises to accelerate the growth path of ePS’ customers, unlocking new creative solutions and business and revenue opportunities.

ePS’ MarketDirect StoreFront is a web to print solution designed to power print businesses of all sizes. The integration of the Picsart Create Editor into MarketDirect StoreFront provides ePS’ customers with an extensive library of pre-designed marketing and communications templates.

Rather than having to spend weeks creating and configuring templates, they can be online with thousands of products on day one. Users can also modify any aspect of the base design by changing text, fonts, images, shapes, and colors. Advanced photo editing, effects, and artificial intelligence tools make it easy to create a one-of-a-kind design in minutes. Once the design is complete, users choose from a variety of print options like substrates, inks, and coatings; get a final proof and price; and add to cart.

“ePS’ customers don’t just want the ability to create personalized visual products and services, they want an intuitive and seamless process to do it, which is the key to this partnership,” said Greg Shomstein, chief revenue officer, Picsart.

using design tools by individuals who are not trained designers.

Design Opportunists

The world of W2P continues to evolve, further entrenching its necessity for today’s B2B and B2C print providers. In addition, designers of all levels are finding it easier to access professional scale design tools through cloud-based systems, making it simple for nearly everyone to churn out printable designs from business cards to posters, signs, and t-shirts.

Read more on W2P online at dpsmagazine. com and tune into a recent webinar we hosted on this topic. dps

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