Top Ten Cutting-edge Fields of Packaging Printing Technology Innovation Introduction

Release Date： 2024-06-10 17:03:34 View Count： 2

　　Currently, technological innovation in the packaging and printing industry is primarily concentrated in ten major areas: web-to-print, hybrid printing, B2 format digital printing, high-speed inkjet printing, in-line digital finishing technology, cold foil stamping technology in offset printing, and multi-station hot stamping technology.

　　Web-to-print is not a printing method but rather a printing solution that empowers printing enterprises to transcend spatial constraints, extending their marketing reach into broader territories. It enables them to provide clients with automated, cost-effective, and uninterrupted 24/7 services while capitalizing on fragmented个性化 demands from end consumers as a complementary source of business. The supplier market for this domain is brimming with players, including Heidelberg, HP, Kodak, among others. While an increasing number of printing firms are venturing into personalized and on-demand printing, the practical application of web-to-print remains limited with few success stories. Firms must understand the essence of web-to-print, establish automated prepress workflows, and standardize operational guidelines, a task that remains arduous.

　　Driven by traditional printers' expansion into personalized and on-demand printing sectors and the deepening integration of digital and offset printing technologies, hybrid printing, combining digital and offset capabilities, has emerged. This technology facilitates inline printing of static and variable information, leveraging offset's mass production, cost-effectiveness, and speed alongside digital's personalization advantages, thereby enhancing productivity and product value, yielding a sum greater than its parts. Although introduced earlier, the technology initially lacked maturity until recent improvements showcased at Drupa. Solutions from Kodak and others indicate maturation. Globally, hybrid printing adoption is more prevalent, yet less so domestically in China. However, the future foresees a growing demand for personalization, expanding the market for hybrid printing and boosting enterprise profitability.

　　The size of print formats has traditionally hindered the extensive application of digital printing. Yet, B2 format digital printing technology stole the limelight at the latest Drupa, broadening digital printers' dimensions, enhancing productivity, and improving versatility on various substrates, enabling digital printing's penetration into a wider packaging sector. Notable manufacturers like HP, Fujifilm, and domestic players like Hucai and Dongguan CTPS have embraced this technology. B2 format digital printing equipment is poised to significantly contribute to digital print volume growth in the coming years.

　　High-speed inkjet printing technology has witnessed substantial theoretical and commercial successes in recent years, with reactions at Drupa bordering on awe. Suppliers such as HP, Kodak, Screen, and domestic pioneer Founder have presented mature devices. In China, high-speed inkjet printing technology has found practical implementation, with firms like Henan Xinhua Hucai and Beijing Shiyi engaging in on-demand publishing. The technology is anticipated to trigger profound shifts and consolidations across industry segments.

　　In-line digital finishing technology refers to systems accepting JDF format files, sharing print data seamlessly with pre-press and printing processes, and completing short-run and personalized jobs' post-printing steps online. Current in-line finishing equipment is highly advanced and compatible, even allowing combinations of different brands. The future of post-press leans towards IT integration, efficiency, and variability, epitomized by in-line digital finishing technology. Firms like Phoenix Media and Shandong Rizhao have implemented such systems.

　　Cold foil stamping in offset printing is not a novel technology but has overcome previous limitations of low foil utilization rates and high costs. It seamlessly integrates cold foil stamping with offset for high-quality, high-speed prints with unique finishes. Giants like Heidelberg and Manroland offer mature solutions, with firms like Hucai Jiangsu Aotu Color Printing adopting the technology to produce high-value-added packaging products. Multi-station hot stamping technology allows for the completion of multiple stamping processes in one operation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency.

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