Following the recent IPEX exhibition the question of the future of direct imaging (DI) printing presses has once again become a subject of discussion. This subject is coming forward again because of a new DI press and a new direct sales approach from Presstek, but also because of Heidelberg's announcement that it is ending its manufacture and distribution of DI presses and is instead supporting very automated conventional offset presses to fit the perceived DI market slot. The question being put forward is whether Presstek or Heidelberg is correct in assessing the future of DI, or whether the is market capable of supporting both technology approaches. The DI market is in the short-run color area for run lengths above 200 copies, where it also is in competition with toner or in future ink jet based digital presses.

Given the withdrawal of Heidelberg from the DI press business, there is much comment and speculation of the future of DI.

Given the withdrawal of Heidelberg from the DI press business, there is much comment and speculation of the future of DI. Heidelberg believes that the time for DI technology has passed, whereas Presstek is seeing both a strong future and an increasing level of sales. The other players in the DI business are KBA, with its 45 Karat and 74 Karat models, and Screen, which has just introduced its second generation of DI presses with the new Truepress 344. Heidelberg has replaced its DI presses with a new technology for reducing makeready times and simplifying press operation. This is the Anicolor keyless inking system, currently available on the Speedmaster 52 press.