Printing SA held their central chamber technical forum on 10 July at Kyocera Document Solutions’ head office in Midrand. The forum provided technical insights and strategic guidance for companies seeking to expand or upgrade their production capabilities through digital technology. Sign Africa were a proud media partner.
The keynote speaker was Phil Walsh, former VP of Sales, Digital Press and Inkjet Products EAMER at Eastman Kodak Company and a veteran of the printing industry with over 40 years of experience, including 22 years in digital printing.
Walsh presented a session titled ‘When Is the Right Time to Go Digital?’ aimed at helping companies make informed technology adoption decisions. His presentation offered a vendor-neutral overview of the past decade’s changes and the future potential of digital integration in print workflows.
Walsh reflected on the shift towards short-run digital print jobs, stating, ‘Everything finds its level after a while and the level seems to be short run work. That’s where digital excels today.’ He also emphasised the growing demand for variable data printing (VPD), a digital printing method that allows for the customisation of individual pieces within a larger print run.
Addressing how businesses can embrace digital technology, Walsh emphasised that digital printing should be seen as complementary rather than a replacement. ‘Digital isn’t here to replace offset or flexo, it’s here to complement it. Think of it as another tool in your toolbox,’ he explained. He encouraged attendees to assess their production volumes and customer needs to guide investment, highlighting the flexibility, speed and smart automation features of today’s digital presses.
Walsh concluded by giving advice on how to choose a digital press, stating, ‘It’s important to base your decision on several key factors. These include the specific application you intend to use it for, your anticipated monthly volume, and considerations such as turnaround times, available staffing, and finishing requirements. You should also evaluate the required speed of the press, its compatibility with various papers and substrates, and the type of ink it uses. All these elements play a crucial role in selecting the right solution for your production needs.’
Heidie-Mari Middel, Production Specialist at Kyocera, concluded the forum by highlighting the range of the solutions available at Kyocera and announcing their ‘Print Beyond Limits’ road show.
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