Digital print technologies came under the microscope in the twelfth day of the US Printing United Digital Experience event.
As well as demonstrations from HP, Konica Minolta, Xeikon, Duplo USA and Graphic Whizard, a keynote from David Zwang (pictured) addressed electrophotography, dubbing it the digital print technology "of the past and future".
The focus on dry and liquid toner technologies is part of a three-week event, detailed in the daily guide here. Registration is free at digital.printingunited.com
An industry outlook and the latest NAPCPO research was presented by NAPCO's principal analyst Lisa Cross, and followed by a panel discussion with contributions from Mark Michelson (Printing Impressions), David Bennett (Bennett Graphics) and Lawrence Chou (Printivity) on their experience with dry and liquid toner-based presses.
Making the case for embracing both digital printing processes rather than an 'either/or' scenario were Cheryl Kahanec of Quantum Group and Joe Maloy of Polaris Direct.
Product launches and demonstrations saw Konica Minolta senior vice president Dino Pagliarello present the company's new AccurioPress C14000, HP showcasing its newest Indigo presses, and Xeikon North America marketing director Donna Covannon the company's toner-based SX30000 duplex production press. From being pioneers of dry toner technology, Xeikon continued to see opportunities to further enhance it and improve on it, Covannon said.
Finally finishing systems were represented by Duplo USA sales vice president Si Nguyen, who showed the inkjet-based DDC-810 - which applies gloss spot varnish to give images a raised effect with texture and depth - and the DC-646 cutting and creasing system. Graphic Whizard showed what it says is the world's first fully automated laminator that slits and cuts to finished size.
Printing United Alliance is the result of the 2020 merger of America's Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and Printing Industries of America (PIA).