Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

June 2022 Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published July 14, 2022

Overall, there are 12 companies in the June report with 13 inkjet presses. Of those presses, five are in the EU, three are in the US, and two each are in Australia and England.

Webinar Replay: You Don't Know if You Don't Ask

Published June 27, 2022

I've been at a couple of print events lately where I heard several conversations that started with "I wonder if..."

Conquering the New Frontier in Production Inkjet

Published June 27, 2022

The new frontier for production inkjet is high-quality, high-coverage, graphic arts applications. The challenge in this market is to precisely place high amounts of liquid ink onto porous, and non-porous, materials and dry them at high speed without damage. The very small number of presses serving this market is a testament to the difficulty of meeting this challenge. Today, we have a new entrant with a unique approach to delivering quality while driving up the economic equivalent order quantity between inkjet and offset.

Conquering the New Frontier in Production Inkjet

Published June 15, 2022

Exclusive announcement of KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 launch, availability and capabilities. Read it first on Inkjet Insight.

Technology Outlook 2022—Digital & Inkjet: Overcoming Challenges Through Efficiency

Published June 13, 2022

In this year’s third annual Technology Outlook, Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding looks at the latest digital printing and production inkjet technology trends and new product introductions.

April and May 2022 Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published June 9, 2022

It was a busy and interesting couple of months with a number of companies acquiring, second, third or even fourth presses. A couple of hybrids in the mix too. Let’s break it down.

Michelman's Gianluigi Rankin Talks About the World of Inkjet Priming and Coating

Published June 7, 2022

We had the opportunity to catch up with Gianluigi Rankin, Manager Global Marketing with Michelman to talk about the opportunities and complexities of developing inkjet compatible primers and coatings that help open up new markets.

Inkjet for Manufacturing Efficiency

Published June 2, 2022

Inkjet is coming full circle with the concept of reengineering production at the heart of continued inkjet adoption and success. Quality may be king, but productivity is the kingdom.

Create Your Own Silver Lining

Published May 25, 2022

Don’t let old thinking drive you away from a potential solution to some of your hiring problems (or set you up for an age discrimination lawsuit.) A silver-haired workforce might be just what you need right now.

RFP Checklist - Software Requirements

Published May 24, 2022

Software requirements are critical to getting the most out of an inkjet solution. We recommend doing a thorough SW analysis before investing in hardware. Premium members can access the Inkjet Insight Software Requirements Worksheet here.

March Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published April 21, 2022

The March Roundup is a bit of a grab bag: 9 press installations from 8 different vendors serving 6 different market segments. The majority of the activity (6 presses) was in the US with one each in Belgium, Canada and Spain.

Olá from Expo Revestir with Ceramics and Inkjet in Attendance

Published March 16, 2022

Last week, the Expo Revestir, covering ceramics, porcelain, and tiles industry, was held in São Paulo, Brazil. Industrial inkjet expert, Guilherme Poggianelli was there to report on this important exhibition and send us some great pictures.

Tools: Customer Education Checklist for Inkjet

Published March 10, 2022

Creating a solid customer education plan has many potential benefits for your company. Often, the process of documenting standards and creating guidelines for customers also uncovers opportunities for improvement and makes your sales team more productive.

February Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published March 8, 2022

Overall, 24 presses at 12 sites including five in the US, two in Germany and one each in Brazil, France, Netherlands, Sweden and UK.

Introducing the B2B Growth & Innovation Series

Published February 15, 2022

We are excited to kick off a new B2B Growth & Innovation video series for our inkjet entrepreneurs. Each new chapter will help you to address particular challenges.

New Year 2022 Inkjet Installation Roundup – January

Published February 8, 2022

What Print Means Today - Video

Published January 18, 2022

I've had the opportunity to interview Francis McMahon of Canon Solutions America several times over the past few years. Usually we are talking about technical progress and the market for inkjet. This time we had a long conversation about print in our every days lives and the overall economy.

December Inkjet Installation Roundup – 2021 Look Back

Published January 11, 2022

Our installation roundup this month includes a bonus look back at 101 inkjet buyers and their selected presses in 2021 in addition to coverage of December 21.

Replay - Reimagining Transaction Printing for Printers, Designers and Their Customers

Published December 14, 2021

Opportunities abound to design and produce better, more valuable customer communications when printers, designers and their mutual customers are all on the same page and understand the stakes. Check out our December webinar, Reimagining Transaction Printing for Printers, Designers and their Customers to learn more.

HP PageWide Industrial Looks Back at 2021

Published December 9, 2021

Elizabeth Gooding had the opportunity to catch up with Kris Albee, Global Marketing Strategist with HP PageWide Industrial to talk about their strong year with inkjet placements and volumes in 2021.

10 Minute Tip - Wind it up and Splice it

Published December 7, 2021

Looking at how avoiding a single paper change per shift could save a bunch of downtime and dollars over the course of the year. But how do you do that?

November Inkjet Installation Roundup – Wow for Q4

Published December 3, 2021

Fourth quarter is looking extremely healthy at many companies. We have 33 press install announcements to report! The trend this month is for multi-press deals, so we are looking at 12 installation sites (companies). Let’s look at who is trading in multiples and the press sizes and application segments with the most activity in November.

Simplifying Complex Packaging Opportunities with the AstroNova TrojanLabel T3-OPX

Published November 16, 2021

Learn about AstroNova, Inc. and their multi-faceted inkjet packaging printer that is priced like an entry-level label printer. The TrojanLabel T3-OPX is both an “out of the box” printing system and an inkjet component that can be integrated into production lines.

October Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published November 5, 2021

We tracked 9 press installations this month at 8 companies and not a single packaging or label press among them. Check out the latest inkjet installation roundup.

Effective Coating Options Expand and Protect Paper Choices – Free Whitepaper

Published November 4, 2021

Some inkjet presses have a coating solution built-in, but many do not. If you are considering a coating system to expand compatibility of for post-coating, download this free whitepaper on Automated Metering technology.

Research Report: The Inkjet Supply Chain for Custom Systems Development

Published October 28, 2021

Download our latest research on custom inkjet development from the perspective of integration component suppliers and service providers.

10 Minute Tip - Preflight and Party

Published October 20, 2021

Pat McGrew says "don't get stalled by missing resources." Check out one more way that 10 minutes could save you $100k per year.

High-Volume, High-Speed, High-Color Workflows Just Got a Little Easier

Published October 12, 2021

Overview of new HP SmartStream Elite DT Print Server supporting production of AFP, IPDS, PDF and PS files as well as ink estimating.

September Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published October 1, 2021

Giddyup partner, it's another month of inkjet installations. This month, we cover 11 global installations.

Let's Keep It Clean In Here!

Published September 23, 2021

Is it economically feasible to clean and reclaim inkjet printheads? Depending on the market the answer is a resounding YES.

August Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published September 17, 2021

We are now tracking over 1,500 inkjet installations around the world going back several years. In August we added 9 new inkjet presses to the installation roundup with 4 in the EU, 3 in the US and 2 in the UK.

Data One on the New HP SmartStream Elite-DT Print Server

Published September 16, 2021

Xaar introduces new Irix non-disposable printhead

Published September 15, 2021

10 Minute Tip - Pay Attention to People

Published September 13, 2021

Pete Basiliere shares our next tip for saving $100k using teams to reduce downtime and mitigate risk.

10 Minute Tip - Get Organized!

Published August 30, 2021

Mike Todryk on improvements you can make without buying software. Our next 10 minute tip to save you $100k.

Resources for Industrial Inkjet Developers

Published August 26, 2021

Quick comparison of industrial inkjet printhead capabilities from our friends at ImageXpert

June/July Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published August 13, 2021

We learned of 11 new inkjet installs: 2 in the US, 6 in Europe, 1 each in China and the UAE. Most activity was in Labels & Packaging with 2 corrugated installs and 3 label presses.

One Technology, Many Possibilities - Video

Published August 10, 2021

Elizabeth Gooding spoke with Paul Barton of HP Specialty Printing & Technology Solutions about the HP SPTS components that enable a host of inkjet systems for OEMs and custom integrators.

10 Minute Tip - Maintenance Checklist

Published August 5, 2021

Remember 10 minutes could save you 100k or more. Try the calculator and check back for more tips.

How to Save 10 Minutes and $100,000

Published July 29, 2021

Check out our latest planning tool and expert tips from Broadridge on trimming downtime and saving money.

Ink Estimating Challenges and Work-Arounds

Published July 22, 2021

Estimating in any print business can be a challenge, but inkjet users face a level of variability that users of other print technology don’t. Ink costs represent a large percentage of job costs and the level of ink use varies widely.

Product Spotlight on FUJIFILM Samba JPC®

Published July 20, 2021

Most people familiar with production inkjet printing are aware of the FUJIFILM Jet Press® 750s (marketed as JPRESS in the U.S.) and the FUJIFILM DIMATIX Samba printhead used in that press. This article by Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding discusses the capability of Fujifilm’s Samba JPC technology to meet the evolving needs of system integrators and OEM customers.

FUJIFILM’s Best-Kept Inkjet Secret - Video

Published July 13, 2021

Elizabeth Gooding speaks with Steve Atherton, Sr. Manager of Product Management and Marketing for FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solution about their capabilities, supporting products, and plans to expand market awareness.

Inviting Innovation: International Inkjet Experts Came Together June 14–18th, 2021, to Discuss Innovation

Published June 21, 2021

Last week, Inkjet Insight hosted Inkjet Innovation Week, a five-webinar series that looked at new developments and trends in five areas of digital inkjet printing. In developing these sessions, which are available for download, Inkjet Insight focused on true innovators and their innovations, and drew on an international group of experts to determine makes something innovative rather than just new.

Inviting Innovation

Published June 10, 2021

International inkjet experts come together to discuss innovations driving market growth across commercial, packaging, labels and industrial segments including retrofit, hybrid and custom solutions to support product manufacturing.

May Inkjet Installation Roundup

Published June 7, 2021

Workflow Overcoming In-Plant Challenges - Video

Published June 4, 2021

Mike Lincoln of the State of Colorado details the challenges he has faced and overcome in the past year using workflow software updates.

Is Canon an Innovative Company?

Published May 27, 2021

A conversation with Ed Jansen about balancing innovation and customer support at Canon Solutions America.

Monthly Inkjet Installation Roundup April

Published May 7, 2021

This month we learned of 13 new production inkjet installs with 10 in the US and 3 in Europe.

Mixing drINKs with Kimberly Meyers and Lois Ritarossi

Published April 30, 2021

Episode 3 of Mixing driINKs with Kimberly Meyers and Lois Ritrarossi with marketing tips and a recipe for Aperol Spritz. Cheers!

Inkjet Ganging and Imposition Explained - Replay

Published April 13, 2021

Inkjet Ganging and Imposition Explained will help you learn about the tools available, why the matter and how they can help your business grow. Join Pat McGrew and Elizabeth Gooding Tuesday April 13 at 1 p.m. ET

Inkjet Installation Roundp March 2021

Published April 9, 2021

Information on 15 more production inkjet customer sites added to the list in March 2021. Sign in for details.

Canon varioPRINT iX One Year Later

Published April 6, 2021

A look at updates to and market penetration of the Canon varioPRINT iX series one year from launch.

What Does Inkjet Integration Mean? Let's Find Out.

Published April 2, 2021

There's a big inkjet market out there that involves everyone from Inkjet OEMs and component manufacturers to product brands in food, fashion and decor with a whole lot of printing companies in between.

Understanding Media Qualification - Replay

Published March 16, 2021

Our March Inkjet Explainer tackles that fundamental factor of inkjet life - media qualification. How do you get from a paper that is "approved" by your OEM to finding something right for jobs on your press?

Monthly Inkjet Installation Roundup - February 2021

Published March 8, 2021

This month we learned of 11 new production inkjet installs with 5 in the US and 6 in Europe.

Inkjet Insight Talks Toner

Published March 1, 2021

As more and more companies with different mixes of work and varying levels of volume begin to evaluate inkjet for work in challenging high-coverage market segments, investment decisions can be confusing.

Inkjet Head Technology Explained - Replay

Published February 23, 2021

Our Inkjet Explainer series tackles fundamental components of inkjet and there is nothing more fundamental, yet often misunderstood, than the printhead.

The First Mover Advantage for Inkjet

Published February 17, 2021

It’s easy to understand why OEMs want to be first to the market with new technology and that they need beta customers to succeed, but why would a printing business want to take a risk on unproven technology?

New Reporting Feature Added to Inkjet Insight - Installation Roundup

Published February 15, 2021

What’s So Special About CIJ-Compatible Inks

Published February 11, 2021

A look at the core components of ink chemistry that contribute to the high performance of CIJ compatible inks.

An International Inkjet Collaboration with Monotech Systems

Published February 10, 2021

People, parts, and processes from around the world bring a new inkjet label press to market for Monotech Systems.

Is There a First-Mover Advantage for Inkjet? Five Inkjet Early Adopters Share Their Experiences

Published February 9, 2021

Why would a printing business want to be an early adopter and take a risk on unproven technology? Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding spoke with five technology leaders using inkjet in quality-sensitive operations about their experiences as pre-release adopters of production inkjet presses.

Ink Estimating Survey Report

Published January 28, 2021

We surveyed production inkjet users on their use of and satisfaction with ink estimating tools. Executive summary available to all. Premium members can download full report.

Mixing drINKs with Marco Boer and Amy Machado - Video

Published January 22, 2021

Join analysts from IDC and I.T. Strategies for some drinks, insights and industry gossip.

Take a Closer Look at Continuous Inkjet

Published January 14, 2021

Uncover differences in speed, productivity, print quality, media compatibility and running costs that are important in high quality, high volume production environments.

Global Graphics Completes Acquisition of Hybrid Software

Published January 13, 2021

Global Graphics completes its acquisition of the HYBRID Software Group doubling the headcount of the Global Graphics group of companies. HYBRID Software focuses on enterprise software for the graphic arts industry, with a strong focus on labels and packaging. It becomes the 4th subsidiary company in the Global Graphics group alongside Global Graphics Software, Meteor Inkjet and Xitron.

Cost-Benefit Analysis - Lather, Rinse, Repeat - Video

Published December 23, 2020

In this video, Elizabeth Gooding provides her top reasons to look at the inkjet cost-benefit analysis in different ways and to repeat the process at multiple points in the life of your investment.

2020 Production Inkjet Launch Review

Published December 23, 2020

Updates on all 2020 production inkjet press launches serving the document and publishing market, when announced, when commercially available and important development trends.

Mixing drINKs - Video

Published December 21, 2020

Introducing Mixing drINKs: Elizabeth's excuse to drink with friends, talk inkjet and share a behind-the-scenes view of fellow analysts. Join us?

Continuous Inkjet Firmly Entrenched in Commercial Markets

Published December 17, 2020

Commercial printing is a large market with little digital penetration, providing green fields for the right inkjet technology. But what is the “right” technology?

Inkjet and Media Compatibility Explained - Webinar

Published December 14, 2020

View a webinar discussion of inkjet and media compatibility suitable for first time inkjet buyers, or companies looking to educate their sales force or customers more effectively. This session is the first of an inkjet fundamentals series on Inkjet Insight.

Inkjet, TikTok, and Happy New Year: The Year in Review

Published December 7, 2020

Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding rounds up the production inkjet press launches serving the document and publishing market in 2020, when they were announced, when they will be commercially available, and the related development trends.

The Inkjet Career Path

Published November 9, 2020

Should management be looking at robots to replace print operators or thinking about how to help print operators get ready for a more automated world?

Lane Changers and Game Changers: Competitive Diversification with Inkjet

Published November 3, 2020

Inkjet is not only entering new markets, it’s changing the way we think about and operate in those markets. As more printing companies adopt inkjet, we are seeing more “lane changers”: printing companies, like transaction printers and direct mailers, stepping outside their traditional segments and taking on new applications. Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding takes a close look at how lane changing is becoming game changing.

Celebrating Halloween with Paper?

Published October 30, 2020

Happy Halloween. I wanted to highlight this excellent marketing post from International Paper that provides value to parents with kids stuck at home and promotes the value of paper.

Inkjet Tipping Point or Shoving Point?

Published October 29, 2020

Marco Boer's keynote presentation positioned inkjet as the single growth technology - if providers are prepared for the "post tipping point" realities and make the necessary changes.

Lane Changers and Game Changers

Published October 21, 2020

Inkjet is allowing printers to do more things with a single press, and fewer companies associated with any particular application segment are staying in their own lane.

Full Circle with Toppan Merrill

Published October 15, 2020

Interview with Mike Zimny of Toppan Merrill on serving clients and staying nimble with inkjet. Part of our “lane changers and game changers” interview series.

What’s Driving Automotive Marketers Crazy?

Published October 8, 2020

Elizabeth Gooding spoke with Richard Margulies of Winterberry Group about trends in automotive marketing that are driving opportunities across channels.

Domino N730i Digital Label Press Overview

Published September 30, 2020

Domino Printing Sciences delivered a very well-orchestrated virtual launch event for their new, generation 7 digital label press. Read the over view of the N730i press representing the first major inkjet endeavor bringing together the technology assets of Domino and parent Brother Industries since their acquisition in 2015.

Thomas Printworks: from Business Cards to Buildings

Published September 23, 2020

Thomas Printworks is a different kind of printing company that takes an unusual perspective on print markets. While many companies categorize themselves as a particular type of printer, direct mail, commercial books, etc., Thomas Printworks looks at the customers they want to capture and how to do the most for those customers. In terms of printing applications and technology, they simply look at large format and “small format.” This article discusses the digital print portfolio the company uses to deliver solutions of all sizes to a wide range of customers and what they have learned from investing in inkjet.

Domino to Unveil Generation 7 Digital Inkjet Technology on September 30th

Published September 16, 2020

Webinar: “I Didn’t Think You Could Do that with Inkjet!”

Published September 16, 2020

Mary Schilling and Elizabeth Gooding will be talking about all the weird and wonderful things that are possible with inkjet. Expect lots of examples of cool applications and things you will want to know if you are thinking about branching out.

COVID and the Message that Cried Wolf

Published September 16, 2020

With full color production inkjet, advanced composition, and customer facing message management tools readily available, sophisticated variable messaging is not a technical challenge. The problem is that companies have been teaching their customers to ignore the message areas for years, and now they need them to pay attention.

How the Sales Cycle Has Changed - Video

Published September 3, 2020

Lois shares her insights on changes in the sales process as well as changes in sales training to get teams the tools and tactics they need.

The Data Says Digital is Better with Print

Published August 19, 2020

Tim Curtis of CohereOne delivered a data-driven and compelling presentation on the value of print in the multi-channel direct marketing ecosystem at the 2020 Inkjet Summit. Learn how print improves digital campaigns and how you can benefit.

Catalog Marketing in a New Retail Reality

Published August 11, 2020

Across the spectrum of B2C and B2B, when consumers couldn’t find their preferred product at their preferred retailer, they changed their shopping behavior: many consumers have tried a different brand or shopped at a different retailer in the past few months by necessity. Here's the scary part for a lot of retailers - they may never switch back. Mailing less catalogs puts brands at risk - but continuing to mail catalogs without knowing the right products and messaging are getting to the right people is also risky. Here how Land's End is striking the right balance for their brand.

Why Business Color Won’t Cut It for Transaction Print

Published August 5, 2020

Canon ProStream 1800 Overview - Seeing is Believing

Published July 15, 2020

This week Canon launched the ProStream 1800, increasing productivity and successfully shifting the break-even point between offset and inkjet will exceeding the offset color gamut.

Inkjet Outlook: Interesting Times Ahead

Published July 6, 2020

Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding looks at the top trends in production inkjet technology, and highlights recent product introductions from HP and Canon.

Pat and Elizabeth on Essential Software

Published June 25, 2020

Pat and Elizabeth discuss all the places where software is essential in an inkjet environment, emphasizing that software is what turns you from just someone who owns a press into an inkjet innovator. However, in order to grow your business by enhancing your workflow, you first need to get the right software for your particular needs.

Miyakoshi Flexes Its Packaging Muscles

Published June 25, 2020

Miyakoshi Printing Machinery Co., Ltd. (Miyakoshi), launched the MJP30AXF web-fed digital inkjet press focused on the short-run, flexible packaging market.

Miyakoshi Flexes its Packaging Muscles with New Inkjet Press

Published June 25, 2020

Last week, Miyakoshi Printing Machinery launched the MJP30AXF web-fed digital inkjet press, focused on the short-run, flexible packaging market. The company is positioning the MJP30AXF for success in the fast-growing flexible food and beverage segment by using water-based, pigment inks that the company says are safe for food packaging. Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding takes a look at the MJP30AXF.

Packaging Innovation - Inside Out with Inkjet

Published June 24, 2020

Last week, David Zwang, Editor of WhatTheyThink and Mary Schilling, Partner at Inkjet Insight provided an overview of new and exciting developments coming to market that address packaging during Inkjet Insight’s Inkjet Innovation week. Here's an overview of top trends and market entrants in all segments of inkjet for packaging.

What's Happening in Sheet-Fed Inkjet?

Published June 23, 2020

Get a high-level synopsis of the webinar "Opening New Markets with Sheet-Fed Inkjet Innovations,” covering the varied approaches to the market based on sheet size, print application segment and buyer profile. If your interest is piqued, you can listen to the full webinar and download the presentation for more details.