03 July 2017

L&L Digital Press Buyer’s Guide 2017

Welcome to the industry’s most in-depth look at the technology available under the wide umbrella of ‘digital printing’.

Machines are categorized in alphabetical order and include systems from desk/benchtop through to full scale production-scale presses. We asked suppliers to fill in a standard questionnaire to make comparison easier, but final specifications should always be checked with the manufacturer. For example ‘print resolution’ is often quoted in apparent resolution rather than native. So, for example, a grayscale capable printhead quoted with 360 DPI native resolution is often shown with an ‘apparent’ resolution of 1080 DPI. Similarly, presses are often quoted with a higher resolution in the web direction, which is achieved by decreasing the web speed. It is also important to ask about materials compatibility – for example: can heat-fuser systems handle heat-sensitive materials and whether a material requires pre-coating. So, for example, UV inkjet systems often quote no special coating required, but for a properly color-managed workflow, a coating is often recommended by the manufacturer.

For fuller information and extensive background to all digital technologies, this guide should be read in conjunction with Mike Fairley’s excellent guide book ‘Digital Label and Package Printing’ , which is a learning module for the online Label Academy.

Finally, there were a few digital press systems not ready for inclusion in this buyer’s guide, but which will be ready for Labelexpo Europe in September. A visit to this show is key for anyone interested in the future of digital print and packaging of all kinds.

Listed hardware comes from: