Discovering Opportunities in Digital Printing

In the "SHIFT to Growth: Discover New Digital Printing Market Opportunities & Applications" Webinar recently presented by Printing Impressions and In-plant Graphics, and sponsored by Kodak, more than 500 registrants learned about the key trends in the digital printing market and how printers are using digital printing technology to enhance their clients' communications. The Webinar also provided several tips for streamlining production and improving efficiency.

Presenters included Jim Hamilton, group director, InfoTrends; Mike Nakonek, vice president of operations, Watt Printers in Cleveland; Sam Forgione, marketing advertising director, Watt Printers; and Ian Flynn, president, Direct Response Imaging in San Francisco.

Hamilton pointed out a number of key values in production digital print that apply across the board—such as on-demand production, just-in-time manufacturing, or the ability to create prototypes and proofs. "Very rarely today is a single marketing channel used by itself. Print should be used as a central channel that drives people to the Internet and to a mobile device. It's making that connection that is so important to marketers today."

Watt Printers processes jobs that require variable data and personalization on its Kodak NexPress SX3900 and Kodak Digimaster digital presses. The Kodak NexPress has fifth color options (with red flourescent invisible ink, dimensional imaging, metallic gold, clear coat). It also allows the company to now print up to a 36" sheet.

Forgione noted that Watt Printers has added new integrated marketing programs based on the capabilities of these digital presses. "The NexPress and the Digimaster were the perfect vehicle for us to start getting out and talking to our customers about how they can get a lot more out of their design by incorporating some of these techniques into their projects."

Direct Response Imaging operates a Kodak NexPress SE2500 digital production color press and uses high-definition and gold inks. "Dimensional coating has been a great winner for us, and I am already getting great feedback on the gold metallic ink," explained Flynn. "We have been using the gold metallic ink for about two months now and it has been terrific for building not only jobs with the straight gold but four-color underneath." Another feature that Flynn said the company has been very successful with is NexPress Matte Finish.

Registrants of this Webinar reported positive feedback. Here are just a few of the comments:

"I heard some new trends from the perspective of what is actually working in the field and what is selling."

"Good insights from companies actually running the equipment and selling the product."

"Very helpful examples from the presenters of how they are using the digital press features to expand their businesses by helping their customers develop successful marketing campaigns that include print."

Click here to register and watch the Webinar on-demand.