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INFO #2

15 || Broadening Material Range Cutsheet Inkjet Technology

22 || Triumphing with Toner The Latest Advancements in Toner-Based Production Technology

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Editor’s Letter.....................................................................................4 Digital Production Printing Finishing........................................................................................... 12 On the Spot Showtime Amplify PRINT 2025.........................................................................6 Dscoop Edge 2025........................................................................ 10 Advertiser Index/Companies Mentioned................................. 27 Showcase........................................................................................ 27

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On the cover: Xeikon continues to push the boundaries of digital printing with the introduction of TITON toner and its collaboration with KURZ embellishment technologies. See page 22.

May 2025 || dps || 3

dpsmagazine.com Volume 27, Number 3 • ISSN: 1529-2320

Digital Production Printing Many sheet-fed/cutsheet production printers output approximately 100,000 to one million impressions per month. Both toner- and inkjet-based equipment fill demands in this space.

Commercial printing applications from direct mail and transactional printing to books and magazines benefit from more efficient shorter runs and variable data capabilities.

Many of the categories covered in this issue are considered embellishment. This is timely as we also preview the Amplify Print show coming this June.

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 Kemal Carr, Olivia Cahoon, Gina Ferrara, Mark Hanley ADVERTISING SALES

New products in sheet-fed inkjet continue to enter the market. We investigate ink formulations driving popular solutions in Broadening Material Range. Find a complementary Target Chart on this topic following the article.

PUBLISHER Thomas Tetreault 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11 Rowley, MA 01969 Ph 978-921-7850 x110 • Fx 978-921-7870 edit@rockportpubs.com

We dive into the latest in toner-based production in Triumphing with Toner. Known for quality and precision, these solutions advance with expanded color gamuts and specialty toners. Tune into a webinar on the topic at dpsmagazine.com/webinars.

SALES Amanda Doyon Ph 978-921-7850 x170 • Fx 978-921-7870 adoyon@rockportpubs.com Subscribe online at dpsmagazine.com

Finishing also helps set printed output apart from the competition. This issue also covers the benefits of UV spot coating in On the Spot. The technique is used to enhance and protect digitally printed output.

Many of the categories covered in this issue are considered embellishment. This is timely as we also preview the Amplify Print show coming this June.

We also highlight technologies displayed at Dscoop Edge 2025.

Check out dpsmagazine.com for expanded show guides and additional web-exclusive articles, including a look at modern laminators targeting digital print environments.

Cheers,

Cassandra Balentine, editor cbalentine@rockportpubs.com

CORPORATE & PUBLISHING OFFICE 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11 Rowley, MA 01969 ROCKPORT CUSTOM PUBLISHING, LLC CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Jensen PRESIDENT & CEO Thomas Tetreault CONTROLLER Missy Tyler

Digital Publishing Solutions is published by Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC. Please send change of address forms to: 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969. © Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC 2025. Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Digital Publishing Solutions without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement.

Subscription Rates: U.S. $41.65 per year, seven issues; single copies: $5.95, Canada and Mexico: $52.22 (U.S.D.), Other international subscriptions: $71.05 (U.S.D.) Vendors: We welcome your product news. Include prices, slides, photos, and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to Reviews Editor, DPS Magazine, 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples.

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INFO #5

Amplify Print 2025 The Finishing, Packaging, and Design Event

By DPS Magazine Staff

The Amplify Print event takes place from June 10 to 12, 2025 in Rosemont, IL. The trade show and conference brings print finishing and embellishments to the forefront, showcasing the brands, products, and processes raising the standard for foil and coatings, die cutting, folding and gluing, binding, and direct mail.

The event attracts brand owners, commercial printers, folding carton and label producers, as well as mailing industry professionals.

Attendees are invited to experience live equipment demonstrations in the Technology Zone, connect with leading brands in the exhibit hall, and learn from industry experts during educational seminars.

On the Show Floor Among the many exhibitors, here’s a snapshot of what to expect on the show floor.

Find more online at dpsmagazine.com Breit Technologies, booth 5143, showcases its Cast and Cure holographic micro-embossing technology that creates luxurious visual and tactile effects for packaging, collectibles and trading cards, gift wrap, and labels. Cast and

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Cure’s affordable, sustainable decorative coating process delivers ultra-high gloss, matte, or holographic patterns on a range of surfaces. INFO# 230 Duplo USA, booth 4351, showcases its latest advancements in digital embellishment and die cutting. On display is the DuSense DDC-8000 B2 Raised Spot UV Coater, delivering eye-catching dimensional effects, and the DSM-1000 B2 Platen Die Cutter, built for precision packaging and die cutting applications.

Stop by to see how Duplo is pushing the boundaries of print finishing. INFO# 231 GBC, booth 4825, unveils a game changer at Amplify Print 2025. The GBC CL-401 is the first inline finisher offering fully automated, two-sided lamination directly after printing—up to 100 letter sheets per minute. With no warm up time needed CL-401 delivers consistent,

ship-ready printed work in one step. Be among the first to see it live. INFO# 232 Konica Minolta, booth 4517, shows attendees how to recoup margins and capture new profit streams with digital embellishment. Experience stunning output from Konica Minolta’s cuttingedge digital embellishment solutions using JETvarnish 3D technology and learn about their comprehensive business driver program. With new seamless white-glove installations, comprehensive training, on-site consultations, embedded marketing programs, and unrivaled 1. Duplo USA, booth 4351, showcases its latest advancements in digital embellishment and die cutting.

2. Xeikon, booth 4725 invites attendees to discover effects achieved through KURZ DIGITAL METAL integration with the Xeikon TX500 press. 3. GBC, booth 4825, unveils the GBC CL-401, an inline finisher offering fully automated, two-sided lamination directly after printing.

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ongoing support, it delivers a recipe to ensure customer success. INFO# 233 Neenah, booth 4912, demonstrates how the right paper can elevate print from ordinary to extraordinary. With a broad portfolio of richly colored and uniquely textured papers, Neenah offers the perfect canvas for high-impact techniques like foil, embossing, and digital foil. Printed promotions are available, providing inspiration and practical ideas to share with clients.

New products, including the new CLASSIC Embellishment Papers, and uncoated paper specifically engineered for digital embellishment are on display as well. INFO# 234 FUJIFILM North America Corporation, booth 4739, demonstrates the inline embellishment capabilities of the Revoria Press SC285S. The Revoria press handles a variety of media from small cards to long banners, including specialty, metallic, and synthetic substrates. Today, people look for print that is super-special, meaning the addition of customized CMYK+ embellishments and hyper-targeted personalization— without slowing the process or adding undue costs. FUJIFILM’s print servers and integration-ready workflow automation software is discussed and the company showcases how it simplifies processes, reduces errors, and enhances productivity. The Revoria Press SC285S also includes sustainability features with its energy-efficient components and waste-reducing workflows. INFO# 235 Rollem, booth 4731, highlights the Insignia6HPLUS rotary die cutter featuring ease of operation and fast changeovers. Learn more about flexo-magnetic, rotary die cutting, and the variety of high-value products this production powerhouse produces. Rollem’s sheetfed B2 size Jetstream converting system shows automated bi-directional cutting of embellished nine-up postcards. Visitors see live demonstrations on these unique finishing systems. INFO# 236

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Sakurai, booth 5145, demonstrates ScreenFoil, specialty effects, and embellishment printing at Amplify Print. Featured in the Amplify Technology Zone is Sakurai’s servo-driven MS-80DDS cylinder screen press equipped with a Natgraph Smart UV dryer, stacker, and ScreenFoil LQM 105 Hot Foil Stamper. The fully automated MS-80DDS utilizes Modern Servo-Driven Motion to insure precise deposits of ink and laydown. INFO# 237 Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, booth 4511, showcases its cutting-edge Digital Production Press and Pro Series Printers. A division of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, SIICA provides innovative document solutions, commercial displays, projectors, laptops, and fully managed services to help businesses achieve Simply Smarter work. The Digital Production Press Series is designed to deliver exceptional speed, precision, and efficiency for high-volume print environments. Built on proven technology, these presses achieve speeds of up to 120 pages per minute (ppm) in color and 136 ppm in B&W with real-time image quality adjustments, precise paper handling, and advanced job management capabilities. INFO# 238 Taktiful Software Solutions, booth 4627, showcases Taktify, its AI-powered estimating and pricing platform designed specifically for the digital print embellishment market. Taktify leverages advanced AI and your sales data to suggest market-appropriate selling

prices based on geographic locations, specific verticals, and application type, helping you sell more digitally embellished print. INFO# 239 Xeikon, booth 4725 invites attendees to discover digital embellishment reimagined. In its booth, visitors can explore samples and demonstration videos showcasing what’s possible with digital embellishment these days. Such as inline, foodsafe metallic effects achieved through KURZ DIGITAL METAL integration with the Xeikon TX500 press. INFO# 240 Xerox, booth 4525, shows how its technology is powering growth and elevating quality for clients. The company showcases its end-to-end Production Ecosystem including the versatile Xerox Versant 280 Production Press with the EX 280 Print Server powered by Fiery. Explore the power of Predictive AI for Production Print, an intelligent assistant that boosts reliability and efficiency, and XMPie’s omni-channel marketing platform that helps clients deliver personalized, relevant communications across print and digital media to drive deeper engagement. Plus, see what’s possible with beyond CMYK embellishments and the Xerox Genesis Initiative business development program built to help clients scale. INFO# 241

Next-Gen Finishing Amplify Print is designed to showcase emerging trends, technologies, and resources from concept to final product, connecting all contributors in the finishing cycle. dps

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advertorial

Maximizing Capabilities with Imprinting

Bringing analog printing and finishing equipment to digital life with KODAK PROSPER Imprinting Systems

By Kodak ,__ _____________________________________________ _ In today's printing industry, digital production presses have become an integral part of production processes. The range of digital presses available on the market is more varied than ever before, and as the industry continues to evolve, more and more forward-thinking printing companies are investing in digital printing-mainly inkjet.

Aside from installing a stand-alone digital press, there is another option for printers who want to benefit from highly productive digital printing: the integration of digital im­ printing systems that can match quality and printing speeds onto conventional equip­ ment. Adding digital capabilities to existing printing or finishing equipment can help printers take advantage of new business opportunities, streamline processes, and in­ crease the profit potential of their production facilities without huge financial investment.

With over five decades of experience in the development and manufacture of inkjet printheads, Kodak today has the KODAK PROSPER Plus and KODAK PROSPER S-Series Imprinting Systems in its portfolio. PROSPER Printheads de­ liver the high speeds and print quality nec­ essary for integration with offset (sheetfed and webfed), flexo, and gravure presses as

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well as postpress and packaging converting machines. Kodak's state-of-the-art continu­ ous inkjet imprinting solutions offer print­ ers the easy transition to inkjet technology and the ability to capitalize on opportunities in variable print by this hybrid approach.

Thanks to their flexible integration and diverse configuration options, KODAK PROSPER Imprinting Systems are suit­ able for a variety of uses where they can demonstrate their versatility. These areas of application include: Direct mail-personalized text and im­ ages/graphics, targeted promotional of­ fers/messaging, and coupons Packaging-bar codes, 2D codes, mass versioning, security/anticounterfeiting features, and variable codes for con­ nected, smart packaging applications • Gaming-raffle tickets, sweepstakes, and contest marketing

• Personal care products and napkins­ product decoration, versioning of de­ signs, and adding instructions for use or marketing messages By producing applications efficiently and cost-effectively with PROSPER Im­ printing Systems with short lead times, print shops can better meet their custom­ ers' needs and help them achieve their business goals faster.

Kodak's PROSPER Imprinting System portfolio features high image quality and high-speed solutions. The printheads use KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology, which enables ultra-high speed and high ink cov­ erage on a wide range of substrates includ­ ing glossy substrates thanks to precise, round drop placement.

PROSPER Imprinting Systems offer speeds of up to 900 meters per minute (3,000 feed per minute) and produce

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image quality that is difficult to distinguish from conventional offset printing. The print width of the base configuration is 105 millimeters (mm) and can scale to fit a variety of widths; CMYK color printing is enabled by cascading four of these inkjet modules. The systems are available in different speed and width versions, allowing printers to customize the solution to fit their specific needs.

Options for Flexible Expansion of the Print Width PROSPER printheads can be configured up to 12 across, creating a customized solution to fit the needs of a large variety of applications. Thanks to this exceptional scalability, printers can start small and subsequently add additional imprinting heads with a field upgrade. Depending on the configuration, systems can include up to 12 print stations and 24 printheads and can be easily integrated into existing equipment using Kodak or third-party mounting solutions. Printers can start with monochrome printing and later add spot and process colors as their business requirements evolve.

Launched by Kodak at drupa 2024, the new KODAK PROSPER Print Bar takes printing with PROSPER Imprinting Systems to another level. It enables seamless and accurate inkjet printing with scalable print widths in 105 mm increments using multiple PROSPER printheads. The smart integration solution offers enhanced automatic color-to-color registration, cutting down on waste and reprints. In addition, the solution’s innovative Smart Stitch functionality helps ensure consistently high print quality with seamless wide format output. For maximum flexibility, the PROSPER Print Bar is available in preconfigured monochrome and CMYK options as well as custom configurations to accommodate a variety of applications. For example, a pre-configured CMYK option 1. & 2. PROSPER Imprinting Systems employ waterbased pigment and dye-based KODAK EKTACOLOR Inks developed and manufactured by Kodak, which dry fast owing to their chemical composition.

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with a seamless print width of 306.8 mm consists of 12 printheads—three for each color—plus print bars for mounting, six print stations, and a KODAK CS450 System Controller.

Inks and Primers Perfectly Tuned to the Printheads PROSPER Imprinting Systems employ water-based pigment and dye-based KODAK EKTACOLOR Inks developed and manufactured by Kodak, which dry fast owing to their chemical composition.

A key advantage of the inks lies in Kodak’s proprietary pigment micro-milling process, which creates extremely fine nanoparticulate pigments with a very narrow size distribution. The finer pigments make the ink easier to jet, reduce light scatter to achieve richer and purer colors, and deliver a superior color gamut as well as ultra-thin dried ink layers.

What’s more, Kodak’s inkjet inks differ from competitive inks by having a lower level of humectants. This results in faster drying, even when printing with high ink coverage on difficult substrates. Energy-efficient near-infrared (NIR) inline drying technology or a similar equivalent drying system is typically used to reliably dry the inks.

The beneficial properties of EKTACOLOR Inks enable PROSPER Imprinting Systems to print vivid images with vibrant colors and reliably render the offset color gamut. Printers also benefit from the fact that Kodak offers not only CMYK process color EKTACOLOR Inks but also customized spot color inks.

PROSPER Imprinting Systems also benefit from water-based, ink-receptive KODAK OPTIMAX Primers that are optimized for EKTACOLOR Inks. In addition to creating a thin layer to strengthen ink adhesion, the primers immobilize the pigment, allowing high-speed printing even with high ink coverage. Kodak has developed a range of high-performance OPTIMAX Primers for a wide range of substrates and applications. These include an OPTIMAX Standard Primer for uncoated papers and

an OPTIMAX Enhanced Primer for coated papers. OPTIMAX Packaging Primers are available for uncoated and coated corrugated and folding carton packaging applications, as well as for non-absorbent materials such as plastic, film, and substrates for personal care products.

Complete Solution with Custom-Made Integration from a Single Source KODAK PROSPER Imprinting Systems are comprised of printheads, data and fluid controllers, EKTACOLOR Inks, and dedicated OPTIMAX Primers. Kodak has a wealth of expertise in the engineering and manufacturing of inkjet towers and mounts for the effective integration of highspeed inkjet imprinting systems into analog printing presses and finishing or converting lines. This allows Kodak to quickly provide each customer with a custom-engineered solution for practically any application and installation situation.

“PROSPER Imprinting Systems offer versatile, highly efficient solutions that establish digital printing capabilities in various applications and market segments without compromising the productivity of the equipment on which they are installed.

And the new KODAK PROSPER Print Bar takes seamless print output and automatic color-to-color registration accuracy in hybrid color printing to a new level,” said Randy Vandagriff, Senior Vice President, Digital Print, Kodak. “As we are the singlesource supplier of the total solution, including printheads, controllers, inks, primers, and integration solutions, customers can be sure we can support them quickly and reliably when they are faced with new market challenges.”

Investing in PROSPER Imprinting Systems enables printers to maximize the capabilities of their existing printing and finishing equipment with digital printing and meet growing market demands for variable output, versioning, and customization efficiently and profitably. dps © Kodak, 2025. KODAK, EKTACOLOR, OPTIMAX, and PROSPER are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

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showtime

Dscoop Edge 2025

The Next Wave

By Cassandra Balentine 0-------------------------------------------

The Dscoop community is about 20,000 members strong. The organization is made up of HP Industrial Print and Large Format customers and partners. The organization's annual networking event, Dscoop Edge, takes place this year in Long Beach, CA from May 14 to 17, 2025.

From networking to education and of course, entertainment, this year's event hosts six tracks of learning sessions­ Accelerate, Optimize, Innovate, Sell, In­ spire, and Make it Real.

Keynote speakers include Taylor St. Germain, economist and senior consult­ ing speaker; Dror Globerman, tech ex­ pert, public speaker, and content creator; Tony Hawk, skateboarding legend and entrepreneur; Daymond John, founder/ CEO, Fubu and star of Shark Tank, Erin Meyer, company culture expert and best­ selling author; and John Koller, head of print marketing, HP.

Progressive Partners The show floor highlights a variety of partner technologies in software, workflow, and finishing. Here is a snapshot of partner experiences.

AB Graphics (ABG), booth 645, dis­ plays a selection of high-speed, advanced finishing solutions, including two ma­ chines tailored for the growing shrink sleeve segment-an area of increasing interest for label and flexpack manufac­ turers. Among the featured systems is the Digicon Series 3 with patented Fast Track Die, ABG's flagship digital finishing solution. The Fast Track Die is a semi­ rotary die-cutting module capable of run­ ning at speeds of up to 180 meters per minute (mpm), making it ideal for high­ volume applications. Also displayed is the SR610 Seaming Rewinder, which is part of ABG's sleeving technology suite. Com­ plementing this is the TSR750 Turreted Seaming Rewinder, which also features Smart Wheel technology and offers un­ interrupted operation thanks to its turret design. INFO# 250

CERM, booth 841, showcases how in­ tegration with industry-leading partners improves productivity and how its MIS software connects your entire workflow, helping you process more orders-faster and better. INFO# 251 Duplo USA, booth 331, exhibits its lat­ est B2-format finishing solutions for HP In­ digo users. Featured equipment includes the DuSense DDC-8000 B2 Raised Spot UV Coater, delivering dimensional effects; the DSM-1000 B2 Platen Die Cutter for precision packaging applications; the DC746 B2 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser for efficient multi-function finishing; and the CF375 Creaser Folder for high-speed creasing and folding. INFO# 252 1. Among the featured systems in ABG's booth is the Digicon Series 3 with patented Fast Track Die, ABG's fiagship digital finishing solution. 2. Standard show­ cases the BQ-300 Perfect Binder in booth 639.

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Enfocus, booth 840, highlights its solutions including the latest versions of PitStop, Switch, Griffin, Review, and Phoenix, all of which were updated at the end of 2024 with a host of new features, functionality, and integrations to boost productivity and profitability across the print workflow. INFO# 253 Esko, booth 741, illustrates how integrated solutions work together to deliver the quality, productivity, and efficiency demanded of today’s converters. INFO# 254 HP showcases proven innovations shaping the future of print across commercial, labels, and packaging segments as well as advancements in data-driven automation, simplifying operations, and seamlessly integrating with brands to fuel digital growth. On the show floor HP has a complete production ecosystem driven by the HP Indigo 120K and HP Indigo 18K Digital Presses—designed to showcase their unmatched versatility and productivity across a range of applications. It also demonstrates the power of the HP Indigo 200K Digital Press, highlighting flexible packaging production, a seamless end-toend label workflow with an integrated slitter and ABG Fast Track. INFO# 255 Harris & Bruno, booth 522, showcases samples from both its ZRX for Digital Embellishment, as well as its ZRW for High-Speed Web coating. Both machines demonstrate advanced ZRX and ZRW technologies through a range of high-impact print samples. The ZRW enables high-speed coating in sync with HP PageWide Web Presses, while the ZRX delivers digital embellishment on uncoated media. INFO# 256 Hybrid Software, booth 849, presents its open architecture, industry leading prepress solutions, featuring new Packzimizer algorithms to optimize graphics onto various substrates and printing processes from label/roll manufacturing to large format output.

Packzimizer intelligently analyzes order data to optimize the layout and repetition on a roll based on quantity, offering

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maximum substrate usage and press uptime. INFO# 257 locr GEOservices and MAPS, booth 528, provides personalized maps and geomarketing solutions for creative, costeffective campaigns. It works worldwide with companies across all industries to enhance print and cross-media communications. INFO# 258 Mediaclip, booth 739, encourages visitors to explore its leading white-label personalization software. Whether it’s mixing in a dash of artificial intelligence or delivering serious personalization power, they’ve got fresh new features you won’t want to miss—come see how they’re taking product personalization to the next level. INFO# 259 Michelman, booth 339, helps converters succeed with shrink sleeve production and expand into new digital print opportunities. Its educational session, Shrink Sleeves: Not as Tough as They Seam, offers practical solutions for improving seamability, lowering press maintenance, and improving water resistance. Attendees can also explore Michelman’s portfolio of primers for HP Indigo and HP PageWide platforms. INFO# 260 Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., booth 638, highlights Stello—its newest threestar HP Indigo-optimized paper. Stello’s Perfect White in both smooth and eggshell finish is engineered for premium applications like wedding invitations, photo books, and fine stationery. It showcases a full line of sustainable, FSC-certified digital papers designed for flawless performance and stunning print results. INFO# 261 Müller Martini, booth 238, is the world’s largest producer of print finishing solutions for commercial and book printers, trade binderies, newspapers, and digital book manufacturers. Through its innovative Smart Factory solutions, they are “Driving the Digital Transformation” with systems, software, and machines that optimize workflow and accommodate offset, digital, and hybrid printed products. With

U.S. headquarters in Hauppauge, NY, Müller Martini provides responsive service and support to printers and binderies nationwide through their extensive sales and support team. INFO# 262 Nobelus, booth 545, features live demonstrations of silver halide replacement digital photofinishing on the Komfi Amiga 52 Emboss. Also, learn more about EcoElement PE Thermal Sealants and StrataFlex Thermal Pre-Lams, exciting new flexible packing structures specially designed to make thermal flexible packaging more efficient. INFO# 263 Rollem International, booth 533, displays the Insignia6H PLUS Die-Cutter.

The Insignia Series are loaded with features including die-cutting, kiss-cutting, creasing, perforating, embossing, hole punching, automated waste removal, and a choice of delivery options. See the PLUS model featuring a touch screen control, ideal for digital print users who change jobs frequently. INFO# 264 In partnership with Horizon International, Standard, booth 639, showcases the BQ-300 Perfect Binder, the HT300 Three-side Trimmer, the CRF-362 Creaser/Folder, and the APC-610 Paper Cutter. INFO# 265 Tecnau, booth 419, shows off its Stack 1212 cut/stack finishing system. Users convert multi-up output from Indigo B2 digital presses into smaller, stacked finished pages without guillotine cutting.

Tecnau’s Stack 1212 reduces manual print handling and consolidates laborintensive finishing operations in a singlepass automated process. INFO# 266

Community Valued The annual Dscoop user conference connects people and ideas to help businesses sell more, find talent, expand into new markets, improve sustainability, and transform. The community benefits from a collaborate environment with tools, training, and networking opportunities.

Visit us online at dpsmagazine.com for more Dscoop news. dps

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finishing

On the Spot

UV Spot Coating for Digital Printed Output

By OPS Magazine Staff

Once a means to an end, finishing technologies advance to become a profit source for modern print service providers (PSPs). As the term print embellishment/enhancement gains mainstream attention, UV spot coating is front and center of the discussion.

Bob Waddington, product line leader for gloss and matte or satin spot coatings unlocks new revenue opportunities-es­ curing and drying, BW Converting, sees adds depth and dimension, giving the pecially in the high-impact direct mail two primary factors behind the increasing final piece a premium feel. This level of sector. "By adding tactile depth, dimen­ popularity of UV spot coating. First, it is aesthetic differentiation is a major driver sionality, and texture, spot coatings a cost-effective alternative to flood coating for brands looking to make an impact," of­ transform ordinary print into premium, an entire print area. "By applying coating fers Waddington. attention-grabbing pieces that drive en­ Josh Romberg, EVP sales and mar­ gagement and get higher conversion only to select portions of the printed piece, printers can achieve the same high-quality keting, MBO America, agrees, adding rates. With the ability to create striking finish while reducing material consump­ that enhancing print with spot coating contrast and sensory appeal, this ad­ tion and associated costs;' not only elevates visual appeal but also vanced finishing technique allows printers the ability to deliver Second, UV spot coat­ high-value applications ing enhances visual appeal, making printed appli­ that stand out."

By adding tactile depth, dimensionality, and The technology contin­ cations more eye catching. texture, spot coatings transform ordinary print "The ability to highlight ues to advance. "One of into premium, attention-grabbing pieces that drive specific design elements­ such as logos, images, or 1. Harris & Bruno's ZRX UV coating engagement and get higher conversion rates. solutions are designed for precision, text-creates a striking versatility, and long-term reliability.

- Josh Romberg, EVP, sales and contrast that immediately 2. MBO America's newest module marketing, MBO America draws the viewer's attenintroduction is the SSC23, a single­ tion. The combination of sided coater that is 23 inches wide.

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the most amazing developments within digital UV spot coating is the variety of machines that now apply coatings at depths from 5-microns to >25-microns.

This flexibility creates many new opportunities for the UV coating to become something more than just a clear coating,” shares Dan Plash, sales manager, Breit Technologies, adding that it allows for various depths within one image— lines for different weight, doming, braille, and textures that can be seen and felt.

Adding Value When it comes to UV spot coating and digital embellishments, Nick Bruno, president, Harris & Bruno, says the return on investment is “undeniable.” More importantly, it drives real results. “Studies show that tactile and visually enhanced print captures more attention, boosts engagement, and increases brand recall.

Whether it is luxury packaging, specialty business cards, or high-end marketing collateral, UV spot coating transforms print into a high-value product that customers are willing to pay for.”

“The contrast between coated and uncoated areas—or between gloss and matte/satin finishes—creates a compelling effect that enhances the perceived quality of the final product. In a competitive print marketplace, aesthetics directly influence consumer engagement, making UV spot coating an invaluable tool for brands seeking to differentiate themselves,” says Waddington.

Quantifying the cost savings of spot coating compared to flood coating is complex, as it depends on two key variables—the size of the coated area and the actual amount of coating applied (coat weight). “Because these factors vary significantly between jobs, it is difficult to assign a universal value to the savings,” admits Waddington.

Compared to flexographic coating equipment, Waddngton says it’s worth noting that while digitally printed matte and satin coatings are available, their

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formulations present certain challenges. “These coatings rely on matting agents—dry particles dispersed into the coating—to create the desired finish. The larger the particle size and the higher the concentration of matting agents, the more pronounced the matte effect. However, digital printheads have limitations in the size of particles they can process and apply to a substrate. As a result, while digital presses can produce matte and satin coatings, they are not yet capable of matching the same depth and richness that can be achieved with flexographic coatings. While advancements in digital printing technology are closing this gap, flexographic coating stations still provide superior matte and satin finishes due to their ability to apply heavier coat weights.”

Making it Mainstream Creating digital embellishments with UV spot coating equipment is certainly not a well kept secret. What used to be niche is now becoming an industry standard. “As automation improves and costs become more manageable, more commercial printers are integrating spot UV embellishment into their workflows. The demand for premium, eyecatching print continues to rise, and those who offer it gain

a competitive advantage. UV spot coating is no longer reserved for high-end applications, but is now easily applied to short run and personalized jobs. It is quickly becoming an expectation across multiple print segments,” offers Bruno.

UV spot coating technology addresses a need for many markets served by print. “As we move the print industry forward, the product must be a high value to compete with other message delivery methods. Embellishment through spot coating is a great way to add value for nearly any product from direct mail, general commercial, or book covers,” says Romberg.

Waddington adds that high-contrast printed products consistently capture attention and are used widely across industries. “The growing availability of hybrid digital presses, many of which include flexographic coating stations, has made UV spot coating more accessible than ever.”

INFO #1 May 2025 || dps || 13

• finishing

For printers looking to adopt or expand their use of UV spot coatings, Waddington says it's advisable to consult with ink and coating suppliers to explore the range of available options. Many suppliers offer coatings specifi­ cally formulated to work with hybrid digital and flexographic press configurations, further broadening the application pos­ sibilities for spot coating.

Plash describes UV spot fin­ ishing as both niche and main­ stream. "Niche markets have been created for offline digital UV coaters and flat screen coat­ ers. Mainstream could develop further as we discover new ways to economically apply heavy coat weights inline with high­ speed printing.

Room to Grow What's exciting about UV spot coating is the tremendous room for growth.

"The momentum is definitely growing, as more printers strive to stand out and make their cus­ tomers stand out," says Bruno.

Waddington also sees UV spot coating growing, particu­ larly within the digital print sec­ tor. "The primary driver of this 3. MBO America's FC23 is a highly efficient anilox based coating technology equipped with cantilevered cylinders for quick and easy sleeve changes. With a small footprint, modular design, and integrated pumping system, this unit is easy to flt in nearly any press or finishing line. 4. lnline or offline the Harris & Bruno ZRW easily pairs with a vari· ety of digital presses.

COM PAN I ES M ENT I ON ED � See a e 27 for more information.

WEBSITE

INFO#

Breit Technologies

breit·tech.com

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Harris & Bruno

harris-bruno.com

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MBO America, Komori Group

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growth is the evolving capabilities of next-generation digital printing presses.

Newer digital machines can now pro­ duce coatings that closely resemble those applied via flexographic methods, something that was not possible just a few years ago. As digital technology con­ tinues to advance, UV spot coating will likely become even more prevalent, of­ fering printers expanded creative and functional possibilities."

Romberg sees huge potential for the usage of spot coating in the continuous inkjet space.

As digital embellishment technology evolves, Bruno says new effects and ap­ plications keep expanding and pushing the boundaries of the market. More print providers recognize the value of UV coat­ ing and invest in the capability to differen­ tiate themselves. "With continued innova­ tion in coatings, automation, and special effects like Harris & Bruno's patent pend­ ing xMatte effect, the industry is far from reaching its peak. The demand for high­ impact, sustainable, and premium print solutions is only getting stronger."

Hitting the Spot As brands and print buyers look for ways to elevate their materials, UV spot coat­ ing technology delivers a premium look and feel.

"From high-end packaging to direct mail, these embellishments create an emotional connection with the audi­ ence, leading to higher engagement and response rates. In today's atten­ tion-driven economy, UV spot coating is driving engagement in a way that un­ embellished print never could. Physical engagement with products on a shelf has shown time after time to boost shelf velocity considerably," states Bruno.

Plash agrees, noting that spot coat­ ing grabs attention and brings focus to a specific area of a printed piece, like a logo, image, or important text. "Studies have proven that an extra second or two is all it takes to close a deal." dps

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aterial Rang

----- Cutsheet Inkjet Technology ----by Melissa Donovan

Relevant Advancements

Michael Poulin, senior product manager - inkjet press solutions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communications Division, lists enhanced print quality, durability, and environmental impact as focuses for recent advancements in cutsheet inkjet technology.

The introduction of 1,200 dpi printheads contributes to less white area behind ink dots, comments Jane Nerf, varioPRINT iX 2100/3200 and varioPRESS iV7 product manager, product strategy marketing, Canon U.S.A., Inc. For Canon, this is further enforced by the post fixation InkFusion step that creates an ink film and increases

New ink formulations as well as enhancements to current configurations fuel cutsheet inkjet's growth.

Above: Landa Nanographic Printing achieves an array of colors and sharp details, ideal for a variety of cutsheet applications.

nhancements in speed, quality, and cost efficiency are apparent in the newest cutsheet inkjet technologies. Driving these updates is the constant advancement of ink sets-water-, oil-, and UV-based-found in the devices.

Each ink type is influential in yielding wider color gamuts, consistency across multiple runs of a single print, and most importantly expanding the range of materials compatible with each technology.

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May 2025 II dps 1115

the technology is rapidly evolving to target synthetic substrates, which are common­ ly used in packaging applications. This expansion broadens the range of materi­ als that can be printed while maintaining high-quality output and production effi­ ciency," shares Graupman.

Ink Options

1 dot gain for improved print quality and reduced ink usage.

"The introduction of nano-pigment technology, such as in water-based nano inks, allows for smaller pigment particles, which result in higher color density and more vibrant prints. Advances in poly­ meric resins in ink formulations improve adhesion and resistance to smudging and scratching. Eco-friendly developments focus on reducing volatile organic com­ pound (VOC) emissions and enhancing biodegradability," continues Poulin.

Amir Shalev, market development di­ rector, Landa Digital Printing, believes that nano technology is a pivotal advance­ ment in the space, specifically Landa's Nanoink. "This technology was developed to answer the growing need for highly effi­ cient printing processes that maintain the environmental benefits of water-based inks, while allowing for cost-effective digi­ tal production at longer run lengths."

Bret Riecke, VP industrial print solu­ tions, Konica Minolta, notes that ink sets' color and sub­ strate gamuts are evolving all of the time. "Quality and consistency are becoming the

2

16 II dps II May 2025

benchmarks of inkjet systems. Cost and productivity also make inkjet more profit­ able for customers;' Color gamut boosts are common place at RISO. "In my 11 years at this company, they have reformulated to boost the color gamut on their cyan, magenta, and yellow inks; created a truer, richer black ink; and introduced a fifth gray ink for improved shading, halftones, and more accurate skin tones. We take color reproduction very seriously;' states Jesse Heindl, mar­ keting manager, RISO, Inc. The introduction of direct-to-sub­ strate ink sets make expanding into non-porous substrates possible, accord­ ing to Dustin Graupman, senior direc­ tor inkjet division, Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc. "These new for­ mulations eliminate the need for pre- or post-treatment processes."

"Currently, these advancements are primarily aimed at improving perfor­ mance on gloss and matte coated papers, making high-qual­ ity inkjet printing more versatile and efficient. However,

Sheet-fed inkjet devices benefit not only from enhancements in ink sets but from the variety of compatible options.

Depending on the manufacturer and device, a print provider may have the op­ tion to use water, oil, or UV ink.

Water-Based Cutsheet

There are number of advantages to us­ ing water-based inks for cutsheet inkjet.

Nerf points to environmental friendli­ ness, low odor, and good print quality as some advantages of Canon's proprietary polymer pigment water-based iX inks.

Graupman observes that water-based ink has received the most investment from OEMs, making it the dominant technology in production inkjet printing.

"It combines excellent resolution versa­ tility, allowing for both low- and high-res­ olution printing, with a low environmen­ tal impact, which is why so many OEMs leverage it in their devices."

According to Poulin, water-based inks tend to be the least expensive and more environmentally friendly com­ pared to oil- or UV-based ink. They produce less VOCs, which is great for reducing harmful emissions. Addition­ ally, water-based inks provide excellent color vibrancy and sharpness. They also generally have better adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, offering versatility for different types of media."

Riecke says water-based inks are gen­ erally easier to jet, making them suitable 1. The Canon varioPRINT iX color digital press com­ bines quality and a wide media range with high pro­ ductivity and cost-effective inkjet printing. 2. The Komori J-throne 29 utilizes LED UV ink and prints at 6,000 sph on a B2+ sheet size.

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for high-speed printing. They penetrate the paper well, which can enhance color fidelity and print quality. “Additionally, they are typically less expensive per liter compared to other ink types, offering vibrant and accurate color reproduction.”

Mark Schlimme, VP marketing, SCREEN Americas, shares that water-based inks like the SCREEN Truepress SC offer a wide color gamut. And while not all water-based inks offer this, SCREEN Truepress SC inks eliminate the need for digital grade paper or preprint priming due to its unique adhesion technology. “Being able to print directly onto the paper preserves the stock’s texture.”

Water-based ink sets include standard water-based technology and also nano-based technology, which expands water-based inks’ advantages further.

Multiple vendors offer nano-technology.

Read more about this in the accompanying sidebar, Nano Technology.

With water-based inks providing environmental benefits, Shalev expands on this and states that water-based ink sets like Landa’s NanoInk are “free from the solvents and high-energy curing requirements associated with UV and solvent-based inks. With lower ink consumption and minimal waste, it provides a sustainable printing solution that meets modern regulatory and corporate environmental standards.”

Limitations of water-based ink mainly involve the possibility of ink drying in the printheads, which leads to clogging and effects the frequency of maintenance.

“Regular purging, capping, and flushing are necessary to keep the printheads in good condition,” advises Riecke.

Also, media printed with water-based ink must undergo proper drying, which presents challenges. “Drying the printed sheets consumes more energy, which can increase operational costs. The drying process can also cause paper warping or other issues,” admits Riecke.

UV-Based Cutsheet When it comes to UV inks, Lance Martin, VP product marketing, Komori America, believes that a standout advantage is that the ink works with nearly any substrate without pre-coating, and this including many synthetics and specialty substrates that are favored for high-value applications.

“The ink doesn’t distort sheets of media like a water-based ink, making it great for perfecting and controlling register. Furthermore, the ink instantly

INFO #3 dpsmagazine.com

May 2025 || dps || 17

3 becomes durable when cured, lending itself as very appealing for products like direct mail that undergo machine pro­ cesses and material handling; no post­ press coating is required," adds Martin.

Other benefits of UV ink are that it "produces highly durable prints that are resistant to fading and wear, and offer a broader range of colors, enhancing print quality. UV inks are also recycla­ ble," says Riecke.

UV inks do present their own set of challenges. For example, Riecke admits that they tend to be more expensive per liter and not all printheads can jet UV inks. Further, on coated stocks UV inks can create a raised texture that may not be desirable for all applications.

"UV inks may also not be suitable for sensitive applications such as food packaging or those where children may

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

interact with the printed material-such as toy package printing," adds Shalev.

Oil-Based Cutsheet Oil-based ink eliminates heat from the printing process since there is no need to remove excess water from the substrate like water-based ink.

The trickle down effect of this trans­ lates to a host of advantages, "this means that RISO devices can be more compact, as there are no dryers or de-curlers in­ volved, leading to a smaller footprint and less energy consumption. It also enhanc­ es the longevity of our devices, as heat­ less imaging preserves parts and compo­ nents that would otherwise breakdown in the heat," shares Heindl.

A well-known benefit of oil-based inks is that they adhere easily to a wide range of substrates, including curated stocks,

kyoceradocumentsolutions.us

Landa Digital Printing

landanano.com

SCREEN Americas

screenamericas.com

RISO, Inc.

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3. Konica Minolta's AccurioJet UV Inkjet platform is a 23x29-inch press.

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Komori America

105

100

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Media Compatibility As more substrates are introduced to the digital print space, additional me­ dia is successfully optimized for inkjet printing. In the cutsheet space, vendors work to improve media compatibility with water-, UV-, and oil-based ink sets.

Graupman says improvements are made by focusing on key technologi­ cal advancements in printheads, ink formulation, and drying technology.

"Printhead developments have led to higher resolution capabilities and im­ proved recirculation within the print­ head, enhancing overall print quality and consistency. Second, ongoing ink formulation development has allowed for better adhesion and compatibility with a wider range of substrates. Final­ ly, advancements in drying technology have played a crucial role in optimiz­ ing ink performance, ensuring faster drying times and improved durability on various media types. By leveraging these innovations, we expand the range of compatible substrates between inks."

usa.canon.com

FUJI Fl LM North America Corporation

without the need for a pretreat­ ment. "They also reduce paper distortion due to lower water content," says Shalev.

Graupman adds that oil­ based inks are also known for low power consumption and durability when printing on cer­ tain applications.

However, Shalev points out that drawbacks of oil-based inks include the tendency to dry slower than water-based al­ ternatives and "may not achieve the same high-end color repro­ duction needed for premium print applications."

Oil-based ink may include higher costs and lower resolution, and when printing it is difficult to match with other print technologies, notes Graupman.

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NANO TECHNOLOGY Water-based ink sets include standard water-based technology— and also nano-based technology from vendors such as FUJIFILM North America Corporation and Landa Digital Printing.

Water-based nano inks offer “greater detail and smoother gradients due to the smaller particle size. Nano inks also often require lower ink volumes to achieve the same color density, contributing to cost efficiency and reduced environmental impact,” shares Michael Poulin, senior product manager - inkjet press solutions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communications Division.

Nanotechnology involves ultra-fine pigment particles, which are much smaller than what is found in standard water-based inks. The smaller size of the nano particulates allow them to penetrate deeper into the substrate, which leads to the greater detail and smoother gradients, according to Poulin.

Landa offers its NanoInk, part of the Nanographic Printing process, which operates similarly. “Unlike traditional water-based inks, which rely on absorption into the substrate, NanoInk contains ultra-small pigment particles measured in tens of nanometers. These tiny pigments allow for extremely thin ink layers while maintaining high optical density. This means that Nanographic Printing achieves a very wide array of colors and sharp details with far less ink usage

Nerf shares key strategies Canon implements to improve media company that include optimized ink technology with its water-based pigment inks and ColorGrip technology; advanced media handling systems including automated paper path adjustment, media detection, and profile optimization; and development of new media trough collaborations with paper manufacturers and certification programs.

Fujifilm continues to develop and refine its ink sets to work well with media manufacturers’ newest paper types and finishes. “Innovations in our ink formulations help improve adhesion and dry times, which allows for better compatibility with coated and uncoated stocks, recycled papers, and other specialty papers,” explains Poulin.

The research involved with ink development may also include priming technology. Fujifilm’s water-based VIVIDIA ink technology includes Rapid Coagulation Primer (RCP). “RCP involves applying a

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than other digital or conventional printing methods. Because the pigments are so small, they provide an exceptionally wide color gamut and excellent light-scattering properties, ensuring high color vibrancy and consistency across prints,” explains Amir Shalev, market development director, Landa.

Distinct to Nanographic Printing is the unique ink transfer process, which eliminates the issues associated with drying and absorption seen in traditional water-based inkjet printing.

“Instead of applying ink directly onto the paper—where water absorption can lead to paper swelling, slower drying times, and potential substrate limitations—NanoInk is first jetted onto a heated blanket. The water content evaporates before the ink is transferred to the final substrate in a dry, ultra-thin layer,” shares Shalev.

The result is a range of substrates can be printed to, including coated and uncoated papers, plastics, and folding cartons—without the need for pretreatment or special coatings.

Since NanoInk does not soak into the substrate but rather forms a smooth, bonded layer on top; it maintains the original texture and finish of the material, preserving the premium look and feel required in many packaging and commercial print applications, adds Shalev.

primer coating to the media before the actual printing process begins. The primer helps to rapidly set the ink upon contact, ensuring better adhesion and reducing ink bleed. This not only improves print quality on a wider range of substrates but also enhances the durability and vibrancy of the printed images,” says Poulin.

Landa’s proprietary Nanograhic Printing process, based on Landa NanoInk, has developed overtime to not only allow excellent media compatibility on a wide array of paper/paperboard media—but without needing any sort of pretreatment.

Also, eliminating the use of primers and pre-coatings, “by formulating SCREEN Truepress SC inks, SCREEN is setting the stage for printers to avoid having to apply primer or digital additives to standard coated offset stocks,” shares Schlimme.

Similarly, Komori continues to improve on its UV cutsheet technology in the B2+ space. The new ink set designed

to run in the J-throne 29 works with most substrates without using pre-coating.

“Konica Minolta’s UV ink set allows us to print on virtually any paper-based stock within the size and weight range of the press. We continue to test and improve our ink set for more exotic stocks such as synthetic stocks used in point of purchase and point of sale applications,” shares Riecke.

Real Possibilities Vendors focus on improving media compatibility no matter the technology or ink set used on their devices. Many vendors’ goals surround improving their technology to print onto paper-based materials without pretreatments or coatings, while others look to push the limits and create vibrant prints directly onto synthetic stocks. Cutsheet inkjet technologies are one of the many pillars of the digital print industry where innovation leads to real possibility. dps

May 2025 || dps || 19

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advertorial .-..,ignificans

� i....J

AUTOMATION

�stickerbeat @ �

Signif1cans Automates Stickerbeat To Continue its Unprecedented Success into the Future

By Signif1cans Automation �

- ----------------------------------- - -

With errors cut by 90%, proofing time by 95%, throughput increased from 150 to 400 orders per day, and an estimated $250,000 yearly sav­ ings in labor, Stickerbeat is better poised for future success.

Stickerbeat, a Toronto, ON-based web-to­ print business with 40 employees, was founded in 2016 by Carmine Caravaggio.

In 2021 its sales reached $1.5 million (USD). In 2022, that number increased to $2.5 million, then it grew to $5.1 mil­ lion in 2023, and $7.3 million in 2024.

It's on track to reach $9 to $11 million in sales this year! Stickerbeat specializes in custom stickers, magnets, labels, and decals. Most importantly, the company of­ fers a seamless online ordering process, free online proofing, and fast turnaround times. But it wasn't always that way.

In 2021, it was processing over 120 or­ ders per day that usually resulted in over 250 individual products with their own complex production requirements. How­ ever, errors and production delays were increasing. Something had to be done.

So, in 2021, the Significans Automation team, led by Sean Davis, VP of technol­ ogy, partnered with Stickerbeat's produc­ tion team, led by Bruce Petroff, corporate production control manager and analyst.

Path to Automation in Stages Significans' strategy saw the first North American deployment of its S-Launch so­ lution, which included a dynamic, fully cus­ tomizable 'Form Builder'. Businesses can do whatever they want with it-create a contact form, an order-submission portal, a request-for-quote page, and more. ''At first, Stickerbeat was mostly all manual in terms of operations, and had

dpsmagazine.com

no automation software," Davis recalled.

"Zendesk, a support ticketing system for IT, was being used as their MIS to track orders. Dropbox was used as their produc­ tion server. Google Sheets were used to further track production in-house, based on the orders they were tracking in Ze­ ndesk. However; there were ongoing issues that included constant dropping of orders, and accidental editing of Google Sheets."

In Stage 1, Significans used Enfo­ cus Switch to build an end-to-end, 100% hands-off e-commerce platform that auto­ matically onboards and processes new or­ ders. "Their Canadian and U.S. sites were running off Shopify;' said Davis. "The new; customized solution automatically pro­ cessed new orders from Shopify, down­ loaded customer-supplied items within that order, pre-flighted them to make sure the files were error-free, then generated an online proof that was sent to the cus­ tomer for approval."

Stage 2 involved automating Sticker­ beat's incoming telephone orders. The Significans team set up an ultra-efficient 'backdoor' ordering system, built using S­ Launch. Now; when employees receive a phone order; they type the information into a customized electronic form, upload the files, then follow the same procedure used to process Stickerbeat's online orders from Shopify.

Stage 3 built an automated process to create UPS shipping labels-no manual typing of addresses. The result? Fewer

human touchpoints, faster; accurate ship­ ping, and happier; more loyal clients and repeat customers. All this collaboration has helped to radically transform the company.

Time Saving and Cost Cutting "With our current four employees in pre­ press, we could easily achieve $20 mil­ lion dollars in yearly sales without add­ ing more staff," said Petroff. "If we didn't have this highly customized set-up from Significans, I would likely have to spend another $250,000 in labor just to do what we were doing before. We can now gener­ ate a proof within 40 seconds of an order arriving. Proofing times have been cut by 95% and costly human errors have been reduced about 90%. My ultimate goal is to be able to locate any job in seconds, know exactly where it is in our workflow; and access every detail about it with the click of a mouse."

For more information on Stickerbeat, call 647-248-1676 or visit stickerbeat. com. For more information about Signif­ icans, please call 877-463-4465 or visit significans.com. dps

May 2025 II dps 1121

and these can complement each other for different production demands and economic decisions,” comments Andrew Vecci, director, portfolio and product Management, Ricoh USA, Inc.

Where Toner Excels Media versatility, print quality, and configuration options are advantages toner-based production print systems offer modern print shops.

Toner-based printers are known for delivering quick, print on demand capabilities and short turnaround times through speed and efficiency. “These printers tend to have lower upfront investments and operational costs, especially when it comes to maintenance and the cost of consumables, compared to alternatives like inkjet technology. This is key in environments where time and cost are critical,” adds Paul Albano, senior manager, product marketing, Toner Press Solutions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

Unlike inkjet, Matthew Raab, director of global portfolio marketing, Xerox Corporation, points out that toner provides immediate dry time, making it ideal for on demand, high-quality applications such as direct mail, catalogs, and variable data printing.

One area where toner-based production presses continue to advance involves media flexibility and versatility.

“The ability to leverage a variety of substrates, weights, and specialty stocks translates to expanded customer application possibilities,” says Vecci.

In addition to typical coated and uncoated medias, Barbera says digital presses print successfully on heavier weight and thicker substrates as well as numerous specialty medias, including synthetic, envelopes, textured, and even magnetic media.

Further, support of longer sized sheets helps print service providers (PSPs) expand versatility with new and innovative high-value applications.

dpsmagazine.com

1 Toner systems are also known for exceptional print quality, achieving output with visual clarity, fine lines, crisp text, and realistic image reproduction. “With the addition of fifth station colors, PSPs can expand gamut but also produce high-value applications through the use of embellishments and effects with gold, silver, neon pink, neon yellow, clear, white, and invisible red,” shares Vecci.

Raab agrees, noting that six-color and specialty color printing capabilities expand toner’s creative possibilities, allowing for metallics (silver and gold), fluorescents, white, and clear toners to be integrated into a single production run, elevating print applications beyond traditional CMYK. The introduction of white toner can significantly expand and diversify application offerings. “With white toner, they can now print on a variety of colored media—including transparent and metallic substrates—by using it as the first layer. This approach allows the press to achieve a full-color gamut, utilizing the white toner as a base layer for the CMYK toner. And impressively, all toner is applied in a single pass,” shares Jason

Dizzine, VP, portfolio management and planning, Konica Minolta.

Software collaborations also play a role. For example, Sharp’s six-color production presses are integrated with Color-Logic software to offer added colors and embellishment like fluorescent, metallic finishes, and white ink on black paper to captivate customers and create tactile, high-impact prints.

Dimitri Van Gaever, global marketing director, Xeikon, agrees that toner technology’s ability to enhance color accuracy and vibrancy is one of its strengths.

“With the use of additional colors, dry toner presses can expand the color gamut, ensuring precise brand color matching and meeting the strictest design requirements. This makes them ideal for industries where consistency and detail matter, such as luxury packaging, high-end marketing materials, and personalized print runs. Furthermore, dry toner technology is highly compatible with a range of finishing and embellishment processes, including foiling, embossing, and lamination, adding value to the final printed product.”

1. Print samples with embellishment created on a Xeikon dry toner device.

May 2025 || dps || 23

2 The configuration options available in toner-based production print lineups are also attractive to many PSPs. Production toner presses offer support of inline finishing solutions. “These modules can help provide increased efficiency and reduce the additional labor costs and time associated with offline finishing, as well as support customers in their efforts to shorten turnaround times,” says Barbera.

For smaller PSPs and in-plants with lower print volumes and limited real estate, Vecci points out that toner-based systems are accessible and available in a range of configurations.

Food safety and sustainability considerations also come into play.

Van Gaever says that a unique advantage of Xeikon dry toner printing is its food-safe approval, making it suitable for applications that require direct or indirect food contact. “Unlike some other print technologies, dry toner formulations meet stringent regulatory standards, allowing them to be used for food packaging, labels, and even customized short-run packaging solutions for e.g. paper-based mono 2. Xerox strives to lead the way in “Beyond CMYK” innovation, most notably with its Xerox Iridesse Production Press, which supports up to six inline color stations.

24 || dps || May 2025

layer construction food packaging. This added benefit further enhances its appeal for brands looking for safe, high-quality, and visually striking print solutions on the shelves,” he explains.

Top Trends Increased automation, personalization, improved sustainability, and additional color capabilities are top toner trends.

Customers should expect to see continual advancements designed to help drive higher levels of productivity. Technologies that focus on keeping a press running include reliability, repeatability, and automation innovations that are becoming more critical as environments struggle to identify trained operators, notes Barbera.

“Increased automation is gaining momentum, both in terms of reducing manual tasks and integrating toner-based production printing with automated workflows. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance quality, improve efficiency, and reduce human error, are on the rise,” shares Albano.

Demand for more personalization and variable data printing continues. “Toner-based solutions are highly effective for these types of printing applications,

making them ideal for commercial print shops and use in direct mail marketing campaigns,” offers Albano.

Print servers such as PRISMAsync help to automate many routine operator level tasks and new cloud-driven ‘press tools’ provide valuable data insight to help operations manage and track their print output. “Canon’s Smart Print Room leverages these various advancements to help customers drive increased levels of productivity and insight into their printer utilization,” says Barbera.

Albano adds that demand for sustainable solutions sparks trends towards eco-friendly toner formulations, lower energy consumption, and reduced waste in production environments.

The adoption of fifth or sixth color stations is growing, enabling PSPs to offer customers more possibilities. “Specialty colors add impact and appeal to print, create premium effects, and accentuate designs,” offers Vecci.

Van Gaever points out that when it comes to dry toner production printing, the future is shaped by technological advancements with hundreds of patents and increasing sustainability considerations. “Key trends we see are higher speeds and productivity complemented with intelligent automation; implementation of dry toner printing in hybrid workflows and complementary deployment in offset and inkjet environments; continued expansion of substrates for a wider range of end-use applications; further development of sustainability initiatives driving legislation for reduced environmental impact; and continued development of extended color capabilities and special effects.”

Added Colors, Embellishment Print providers are always looking for ways to expand their application range and offer high-value print services. “We are finding near-line embellishment solutions provide customers with a higher level of flexibility and options to help

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them enhance and expand their range of print applications,” says Barbera.

Kent J. Villarreal, senior product manager, Production Print, Sharp Electronics Corporation, feels that as the production toner market continues to evolve, one of the most significant trends on the horizon is the expansion of inline and near-line embellishments. “The four-color printing market has become increasingly commoditized, making differentiation more critical than ever. To stay competitive, print providers are seeking ways to add value beyond standard CMYK printing.”

The addition of specialty colors and fifth and sixth print stations are a game changer, allowing printers to differentiate their offerings. “Printers are leveraging these enhancements to offer unique, premium-quality prints that command higher margins,” says Raab.

“This introduces new toners such as pink, white, clear, as well as metallics like gold and silver—allowing for more versatile and creative applications, with the ability to add highlights, create textures, or print on dark-colored or transparent materials,” agrees Albano.

This expanded capability opens up new markets for packaging, label printing, and more advanced, luxurious looking marketing collateral, and is “boosting adoption among print shops that want to differentiate themselves with unique products,” comments Albano.

“These solutions enhance the value of toner presses, allowing PSPs to offer more higher value applications, create more differentiation in the market, and increase their profitability,” agrees Vecci.

The integration of specialty colors and additional channels is driving new

growth opportunities, enabling PSPs to produce striking, high-margin applications. “These advancements not only enhance the visual appeal of printed materials but also help businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace,” adds Villarreal.

Vecci points out that additional color stations also open up more substrate possibilities. “With white toner as an underlay, it becomes possible to print vibrant images and text on dark and colored papers or to create dramatic effects with high-end appeal. “Embellishments become easy with metallic toners such as gold and silver, and one can even create different shades of metallic such as rose gold and silver blue. And clear toner allows spot varnish effects, adding further value to prints.”

Even though dry toner is a mature technology, Van Gaever says that with

INFO #6 dpsmagazine.com

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B&W ADVANCEMENTS While color production printing receives deserved attention, Andrew Vecci, director, portfolio and product management, Ricoh USA, Inc., says there is still a strong need for monochrome toner systems in the market, particularly in transactional, educational, and legal industries. “Ricoh continues to develop monochrome production engines to serve these customers where productivity and text and image clarity are paramount.”

The biggest advances in B&W toner-based devices have been in speed and efficiency. “These systems deliver crisp, sharp text and graphics at a higher volume and lower operational cost and are now equipped with advanced feeding and finishing options, such as booklet making or inline folding, to streamline workflows and reduce the need for post-production processes,” shares Paul Albano, senior manager, product marketing, Toner Press Solutions, Fujifilm.

Canon also continues to invest in the development of its monochrome production presses including the high-speed varioPRINT 6000 series TITAN and varioPRINT 140 series QUARTZ. Last year Canon introduced the varioPRINT 6000TPxp TITAN model. “This is designed to provide increased print durability, which is especially important for transactional and direct mail print providers,” shares Robert Barbera, director, Production Printing Solutions Strategy, Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon’s Speed Pass Program provides flexible speed licensing to help customers manage peak production and the cost of their investment. “Customers can purchase a lower speed model that supports the majority of their business and then purchase a temporary speed upgrade to help with peak production periods.

They can also upgrade permanently in the future as production demands grow or change providing customers with added flexibility in matching their existing equipment to their business needs,” explains Barbera.

The Konica Minolta AccurioPrint 2100 B&W digital printing press features speeds of up to 100 pages per minute (ppm) of B&W output, high paper and toner capacity, and a standard built-in print controller. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for production environments as well as an office with high-volume printing needs.

Sharp’s BP-1360M monochrome production printer is designed for high-speed, high-quality output. With printing speeds of up to of 136 ppm and 2,400x2,400 dpi resolution, it is designed to deliver sharp solids and smooth halftones. Features include airfed vacuum technology for precise media handling and a modern control panel for effortless operation.

Further, Sharp’s BP-1360M is driven by a Fiery controller that enhances workflows, enabling advanced job management, and provides seamless integration with color devices like Sharp’s Color Pro series.

B&W production remains a cornerstone of transactional, book, and direct mail printing. The Xerox PrimeLink series continues to set the standard with high resolution, superior halftone rendering, and high-speed production capabilities. Innovations in automated finishing and workflow integration have also streamlined largescale monochrome print runs, improving productivity for high-volume print environments.

expanded color capabilities and unique embellishment options, dry toner printing continues to bridge the gap between traditional and digital printing. “It provides high-value, short-to-medium-run print solutions that stand out. We believe dry toner offers a wide range of end-use

applications covering the needs of brand owners and PSPs. Thanks to extra colors like green, blue, and red the already wide gamut can be expanded, but also white and fluorescent offer unlimited creativity and technical combinations. And finally specialty toners like clear, metallic, and

COMPANIES MENTIONED

See page 27 for more information.

COMPANY

WEBSITE

INFO#

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

usa.canon.com

125

Color-Logic

color-logic.com

126

Konica Minolta

kmbs.konicaminolta.us

127

FUJIFILM North America Corporation

print-us.fujifilm.com

128

Ricoh USA, Inc.

ricoh-usa.com

129

Sharp Electronics Corporation

business.sharpusa.com

130

Xeikon

xeikon.com

132

Xerox Corporation

xerox.com

133

26 || dps || May 2025

security in combination with variable printing of digital provide access to applications that are out of scope for traditional technologies.”

Tried and True Toner-based production is a mature technology that continues to expand its appeal with options for white, metallic, fluorescent, and clear toners that enable premium, high-value print products.

“As the industry continues to push boundaries, we anticipate further innovation in toner-based embellishments, offering printers greater flexibility and profitability,” notes Villarreal.

Find a webinar on the topic of production toner advancements online at dpsmagazine.com/webinars. dps

dpsmagazine.com

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INFO #8

INFO #9

AD INDEX INFO# Company

Page Website

INFO# Company

Page Website

INFO# Company

Page Website

1

BW Converting

13

bwconverting.com

3

Komori America

17 komori-america.us

4

Signs365

28 signs365.com

2

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

2

canonproductionprint.com

8

Nobelus

27 nobelus.com

6

Sharp Electronics

25 business.sharpusa.com

7

Graphic Whizard Inc.

27

graphicwhizard.com

9

Shark Finishing Machinery

27 sharkmachinery.com

5

Standard Finishing Systems

5

10

Kodak

8

graphics.kodak.com

11

Significans Automation

21 significans.com

standardfinishing.com

COMPANIES MENTIONED Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

BW Converting

120

Fujifilm North America Corporation

101

Kyocera Document Solutions

104

Screen Americas

107

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

100

Harris & Bruno

121

Landa Digital Printing

105

Sharp Electronics Corp.

130

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

125

Komori America

102

MBO America

122

Xeikon

131

Color-Logic

126

Konica Minolta

103

Ricoh USA, Inc.

129

Xerox Corp.

132

Fufjifilm North America Corporation

128

Konica Minolta

127

RISO, Inc.

106

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May 2025 || dps || 27

INFO #4