Digital Printing: Poised For Growth
Technology Advancements
During the past two years, a number of technology developments for both electrophoto–graphic and inkjet printing systems (monochrome and color), finishing and binding equipment, and consumables (toner, ink and substrates) have helped fuel the growth of digital book printing. On the printing side, most recent developments include the launch of the Xerox iGen4 EXP press and the Kodak NexPress SX platform, which provides 14-inch by 26-inch output—expanding their capability to produce dust jackets for books. Last year, Océ launched its ColorStream 10000 Flex digital web press, a high-quality toner-based system that can print up to 1,515 images per minute (ipm) in monochrome mode and 172 ipm in full color. This new press is helping Océ better penetrate color book printing applications—particularly the professional and education segments. Earlier this year, Hewlett-Packard announced its T400 Color Inkjet Web Press, a 42-inch-wide web press, which prints at 400 or 600 feet per minute.