Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Digital printing

Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly onto a variety of media, such as paper, fabric, or plastics, without the use of traditional printing plates or intermediates.^[1] This process relies on electronic files to control the application of colorants like inks or toners, enabling on-demand production and customization for short runs, in contrast to analog techniques like offset lithography that involve setup costs for plates and are better suited for large volumes.^[1] Developed primarily in the late 20th century, digital printing emerged from advancements in photocopy technology and digital imaging, with the first commercial digital printing press, the Indigo E-Print 1000, introduced in 1993 by Benny Landa, often credited as the "father of digital printing."^[2] The core technologies in digital printing include electrophotography (also known as xerography or laser printing), which uses toner particles electrostatically attracted to a photoconductive drum and fused to the substrate via heat,^[3] and inkjet printing, where droplets of liquid ink are precisely ejected onto the surface through nozzles.^[4] Other variants, such as thermal transfer, involve heating a ribbon to deposit material onto the media, though inkjet and electrophotography dominate commercial applications due to their versatility and quality.^[5] Key advantages of digital printing encompass reduced setup times, enabling economical short-run production; support for variable data printing (VDP), which allows personalized content like targeted marketing materials; and environmental benefits from minimized waste compared to plate-based methods.^[1] However, it can be less cost-effective for very high volumes and historically offered lower image durability on certain substrates, though modern advancements have narrowed these gaps.^[1] Digital printing has transformed industries including commercial printing, packaging, textiles, and signage, with applications ranging from books and brochures to customized apparel and labels.^[1] Its growth is driven by integration with digital workflows, such as PDF files and color management systems, and ongoing innovations in inks—like extended gamut CMYK plus specialty colors (e.g., white, metallic)—that expand creative possibilities while maintaining consistency across diverse media.^[1] By the 2020s, the technology has achieved print quality rivaling traditional methods, fueling its adoption in sustainable and agile production environments.^[6]

Fundamentals

Definition and Basic Principles

Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media substrates, such as paper, plastic, or fabric, without the need for physical printing plates, screens, or cylinders used in traditional analog processes.^[1] This approach relies on electronic data from digital files, which are sent straight to the printing device, enabling the reproduction of images, text, or graphics with high precision and minimal setup time.^[7] Unlike analog methods that require preparatory steps like plate-making, digital printing streamlines production by processing files electronically, making it ideal for short runs and on-demand applications.^[1] At its core, digital printing operates through direct imaging principles, where raster image processing (RIP) software plays a pivotal role by converting vector-based digital files—such as PDFs or images—into rasterized bitmap data suitable for the printer.^[8] This software optimizes elements like color management, resolution, and halftone patterns to ensure accurate output, directing the selective application of inks, toners, or dyes onto the substrate via mechanisms like inkjet droplets or electrostatic toner transfer.^[9] A key concept in digital printing is variable data printing (VDP), which allows each printed piece in a run to vary based on input data, such as personalized text or images, without halting the process or requiring new setups.^[10] The technology evolved from analog printing roots in the mid-20th century but distinctly eliminates intermediary physical steps by fully integrating digital data transfer to output. It enabled efficient short-run production, reducing waste and costs for low-volume jobs that were uneconomical in analog systems.

Comparison with Traditional Printing Methods

Digital printing differs fundamentally from traditional methods like offset lithography in its operational workflow. Traditional printing relies on physical printing plates that must be created, etched, and mounted on the press, involving significant setup time—often hours or days—for makeready, ink calibration, and test runs.^[11] In contrast, digital printing eliminates plates entirely, enabling direct image transfer from digital files to substrates via technologies such as inkjet or electrophotography, which allows for instantaneous job changes and minimal preparation time.^[12] This makes digital ideal for short runs and variable data printing, where each piece can differ without additional setup, whereas traditional methods are optimized for fixed, high-volume production where altering content requires new plates.^[13] Cost structures between the two methods highlight distinct economic trade-offs. Traditional printing incurs high upfront fixed costs for plate production, machine setup, and initial waste sheets, but achieves low variable costs per unit through economies of scale in long runs.^[11] Digital printing reverses this, with low or no setup fees but higher per-page costs due to consumables like toners or inks, making it more economical for small quantities.^[12] Break-even analysis typically shows digital becoming less viable beyond 1,000 to 5,000 units, depending on factors like media type and complexity, after which offset's efficiency dominates for mass production.^[13] In terms of quality, traditional offset printing generally provides superior detail resolution and color consistency, particularly for Pantone matching and uniform ink density across large volumes, due to its mechanical precision.^[11] Digital methods offer high-quality output suitable for most applications, excelling in rapid customization and vibrant colors on varied substrates, though they may exhibit slight limitations in fine-line sharpness or long-run uniformity compared to offset.^[13] Environmentally, digital printing reduces material waste by avoiding plate production and excessive proofing sheets, which can account for significant paper loss in traditional setups.^[14] It also minimizes chemical use, as offset processes often involve toxic solvents, fountain solutions, and volatile organic compounds for plate development and cleanup.^[14] While both methods consume energy and inks, digital's on-demand nature curtails overprinting and supports smaller runs, lowering overall resource depletion compared to analog's batch-oriented approach.^[15]

History

Origins and Early Developments

The origins of digital printing can be traced to key technological precursors in the mid-20th century, particularly the invention of electrophotography, which laid the foundation for toner-based imaging without the need for traditional wet processing. In 1938, American physicist and inventor Chester F. Carlson developed xerography, a dry copying process that used electrostatic charges to attract toner particles to a photoconductive surface, enabling the reproduction of images directly from light exposure. This breakthrough, initially overlooked by major companies, formed the basis for electrophotographic printing systems that eliminated plates and allowed for direct transfer of digital or optical images to paper.^[16]^[17] During the 1950s and 1960s, advancements in computer graphics further propelled the conceptual shift toward digital output devices, with early plotters emerging as precursors to automated printing. These mechanical devices, such as pen plotters, translated computational data into visual forms by moving pens across paper under computer control, marking the first instances of machine-generated graphics for scientific and engineering applications. By the early 1960s, plotters like those developed for mainframe systems enabled users to visualize complex data sets, bridging analog drafting with digital precision and foreshadowing the integration of computers in printing workflows.^[18]^[19] The 1970s saw significant milestones in digital imaging systems and the advent of computer-controlled printers, transitioning from experimental setups to practical prototypes. Researchers advanced continuous inkjet technology, where streams of charged ink droplets were deflected electrostatically to form images, building on earlier concepts from the 1950s. IBM played a pivotal role by licensing this technology and developing prototypes for computer printers, such as adaptations leading to the IBM 4640 in the late 1970s, which demonstrated viable digital text and graphic output without mechanical type. These efforts addressed initial limitations in ink stability and droplet control, setting the stage for non-impact printing methods.^[20] In the 1980s, digital printing emerged commercially with the introduction of presses and systems that integrated digital file handling into prepress and production, fundamentally altering workflows from analog to plate-free processes. Canon launched the NP-9030 in 1984, recognized as one of the first digital laser copying machines, which used electrophotographic principles to produce high-quality copies directly from digital signals, bypassing traditional photographic intermediates. Concurrently, imagetsetter systems revolutionized prepress by exposing film or plates directly from digital data using laser or LED light sources; Linotype-Hell introduced the Linotronic 300 in 1984, enabling high-resolution output of text and images for offset preparation at speeds up to 50 lines per minute. This shift facilitated the handling of digital files in place of analog proofs, streamlining design-to-print pipelines.^[21]^[22] Key challenges in these early developments included achieving sufficient resolution for professional use and seamless integration with emerging software tools. Early systems operated at around 240 dpi, but improvements in laser optics and photosensitive materials elevated resolution to 300 dpi by the mid-1980s, making outputs comparable to traditional methods for text and simple graphics. The release of Aldus PageMaker in 1985 further overcame integration hurdles by providing desktop publishing software that allowed designers to create and edit layouts digitally, directly compatible with imagetsetters and early digital presses, thus accelerating the adoption of computer-to-plate workflows.^[23]^[24]

Advancements from the 1990s to Present

In the 1990s, digital printing saw significant breakthroughs in fine art applications, particularly through the adaptation of inkjet technology for high-quality reproductions. Nash Editions, founded in 1991 by musician and photographer Graham Nash alongside R. Mac Holbert, pioneered the use of the IRIS 3000 inkjet printer—originally a proofing device—for creating professional fine art prints, marking the world's first dedicated fine-art digital printing studio.^[25] This innovation led to the coining of the term "Giclée" by artist Jack Duganne at Nash Editions in 1991, derived from the French word for "nozzle" or "spray," to describe archival inkjet prints on fine art substrates like canvas and paper, which offered superior color fidelity and longevity compared to earlier methods.^[26] Concurrently, Hewlett-Packard's inkjet technology scaled from its 1984 ThinkJet—the first thermal inkjet printer for desktop use—to full-color capabilities, with the 1987 PaintJet introducing color inkjet printing and 1990s models like the 1998 HP 2000C advancing drop-on-demand systems for broader commercial adoption.^[27] These developments shifted digital printing from niche prototyping to viable alternatives for short-run production and artistic output. The 2000s and 2010s marked the expansion of digital printing from desktop devices to industrial-scale operations, driven by high-speed presses and market maturation. HP Indigo's liquid electrophotography (LEP) technology, initially developed in the early 1990s by Benny Landa's Indigo company and acquired by HP in 2001, matured into production-ready systems like the Indigo 1000 press, enabling offset-quality digital printing with liquid toners for variable data and short runs.^[28] This period saw digital printing surpass traditional offset lithography for short-run jobs, as advancements in efficiency reduced the cost crossover point—dropping from around 2,000 sheets in 2010 to under 500 by the late 2010s—making it ideal for personalized and on-demand work.^[29] Market growth reflected this shift: the global digital printing sector expanded from $103.1 billion in 2014 to $180.9 billion by 2024 (value of printed products), fueled by inkjet's dominance in commercial and packaging applications, while in the US, digital printing revenue grew rapidly in the 2010s due to its flexibility over lithographic methods.^[30]^[31] Key trade events underscored these evolutions, with the 2016 Drupa exhibition in Düsseldorf showcasing breakthroughs in single-pass inkjet technology, including HP's PageWide C500 Press and EFI's Nozomi platform, which achieved high-speed, full-color production up to 50 meters per minute on diverse substrates.^[32]^[33] The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated on-demand digital printing needs, as supply chain disruptions and surging e-commerce demands—such as personalized packaging and rapid prototyping—boosted adoption, with global print volumes dropping 11.6% in 2020 but digital segments recovering faster through short-run efficiency.^[34] Entering the 2020s, digital printing integrated artificial intelligence for enhanced color management, where AI algorithms automate calibration, optimize profiles across devices, and ensure consistency by analyzing real-time data, reducing manual intervention and errors in production workflows.^[35] Sustainability advancements included the rise of water-based UV-curable inks, which combine low-VOC water carriers with ultraviolet curing for instant drying, minimizing energy use and environmental impact while supporting recyclable substrates in packaging.^[36] As of 2025, the global digital printing market (value of printed products) reached $167.5 billion, projected to grow to $251.1 billion by 2035, with the US segment at $14.9 billion, reflecting its growing share in commercial printing amid demands for eco-friendly and customized output.^[37]^[38]

Processes and Technologies

General Printing Process

The general printing process in digital printing follows a streamlined workflow that transforms digital files into physical output without the need for physical plates or setups required in traditional methods. It begins with the creation of a digital file, often in standardized formats like PDF/X, which is an ISO-compliant subset of PDF designed specifically for reliable graphic arts data exchange in printing, ensuring all necessary elements such as fonts, colors, and images are embedded for consistent reproduction across systems.^[39] This file preparation stage emphasizes compatibility and self-containment to minimize errors during subsequent processing.^[40] Once prepared, the digital file undergoes rasterization through Raster Image Processor (RIP) software, a specialized tool that interprets the file's vector data or page description language (e.g., PostScript) and converts it into a high-resolution bitmap raster image tailored to the printer's specifications, including resolution, color depth, and halftone patterns.^[9] The RIP also handles tasks like color conversion, trapping, and imposition, optimizing the data for efficient printing while detecting and correcting potential errors such as missing elements or incompatible formats to prevent output issues.^[41] The processed raster data is then transferred directly to the print engine's controller, which orchestrates the hardware operations based on the bitmap instructions.^[42] In the core image transfer phase, the print engine uses the digital signals from the raster data to selectively deposit marking materials—such as ink or toner—onto the substrate in precise patterns that recreate the original design, enabling direct-from-digital reproduction with high fidelity.^[7] Following deposition, the materials are fixed or cured to ensure permanence; this typically involves thermal processes to fuse toner particles or UV irradiation to polymerize inks, binding them securely to the surface without smudging or migration. Common equipment in this stage includes print heads for material application and centralized controllers for signal management, which integrate seamlessly to maintain process efficiency. Quality control is integrated throughout to uphold consistency, particularly through calibration using International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles that map device-specific color spaces to standardized ones, allowing accurate reproduction across workflows and devices.^[43] ^[44] Post-processing steps, such as automated cutting, folding, or protective coating, finalize the output, often handled by inline finishing systems connected to the print engine for seamless integration. This end-to-end process supports variable data printing, where content can be personalized per unit directly from the digital file, enhancing customization without workflow disruptions.^[45]

Ink and Substrate Preparation

In digital printing, inks are formulated to meet specific performance requirements, with common types including water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable, and phase-change varieties. Water-based inks, often used in inkjet applications, exhibit low viscosity ranging from 2 to 8 centipoise (cP), enabling smooth ejection from printheads, and dry primarily through evaporation and absorption, typically within seconds on porous media.^[46] Solvent-based inks provide enhanced adhesion on non-porous surfaces due to their higher solvency, with drying times influenced by solvent evaporation rates that can vary from 10 to 30 seconds depending on ambient conditions and substrate.^[47] UV-curable inks polymerize rapidly under ultraviolet light, achieving full cure in under 1 second, which minimizes distortion on heat-sensitive materials and supports high-resolution output.^[47] Phase-change inks, solid at room temperature, liquefy at around 100–140°C for jetting and solidify upon cooling, offering drying times near-instantaneous post-deposition without solvents.^[48] Color reproduction in these inks relies on standard CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) formulations for process printing, which cover a broad gamut suitable for most images, but spot colors—premixed inks for exact hues like Pantone matches—are incorporated for applications requiring precise branding consistency, which can match approximately 90% of Pantone spot colors when using extended sets such as CMYKOGV.^[49] Viscosity control is critical across types, typically maintained between 5–20 cP for inkjet compatibility to prevent nozzle clogging, while drying time and color gamut are optimized through pigment selection and additives that enhance fade resistance and vibrancy.^[50] Substrates in digital printing encompass diverse materials such as paper, plastics, textiles, and metals, each demanding consideration of compatibility factors like porosity and absorbency to ensure ink adhesion and print quality. Paper substrates, with high porosity and absorbency, facilitate rapid ink penetration and drying, making them ideal for water-based inks but requiring coatings for bleed prevention on uncoated varieties.^[51] Plastics and metals, being low-porosity and non-absorbent, resist ink spreading but necessitate surface treatments to promote wetting and durability, as untreated surfaces can lead to poor adhesion and delamination.^[52] Textiles, characterized by variable absorbency depending on fiber type (e.g., cotton vs. synthetics), absorb inks unevenly, influencing color density and requiring pre-treatments to uniformize surface properties for consistent output.^[53] Preparation techniques for inks and substrates focus on enhancing compatibility and performance. Ink formulation incorporates fade-resistant pigments, such as high-stability organic compounds, to achieve durability against light and abrasion, with UV-curable types often including photoinitiators for cross-linking that extends lifespan beyond 100 hours of exposure.^[47] For non-porous substrates like plastics and metals, pre-coating with primers—thin layers of adhesive polymers applied via spraying or rolling—improves ink receptivity by increasing surface energy, reducing contact angles to below 30 degrees for better spreading.^[54] Sustainability has advanced in the 2020s with bio-based inks derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils and algae, which replace petroleum components and reduce volatile organic compound emissions by up to 50% while maintaining comparable viscosity and color gamut.^[55]^[56] As of 2025, advancements include high-viscosity inkjet inks reaching 30–50 cP for improved flexible packaging applications and specialty inks like thermochromic variants for innovative effects.^[57]^[58] Handling considerations for inks include controlled storage at 15–25°C in sealed containers to preserve viscosity and prevent phase separation, with gentle mixing via agitators to ensure homogeneity without introducing air bubbles that could cause jetting inconsistencies.^[59] Waste management protocols segregate contaminated inks from solvents and promote recycling through filtration and proper disposal to mitigate ecological impact; proper ink management can reduce ink consumption by 52%.^[60]

Major Methods

Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing operates on drop-on-demand (DOD) principles, where ink droplets are ejected precisely through microscopic nozzles only as needed to form images on a substrate. The two dominant mechanisms are thermal and piezoelectric actuation. In thermal inkjet, a thin-film resistor heats the ink rapidly, creating a vapor bubble that expands to propel the droplet from the nozzle at speeds of 5-10 m/s.^[61] Piezoelectric inkjet, conversely, employs a thin piezoelectric ceramic layer that deforms under an applied voltage, generating acoustic pressure waves to squeeze ink from the chamber.^[62] These systems support resolutions up to 1200 dpi, facilitating sharp, detailed output suitable for both consumer and professional applications.^[63] Droplet volumes in inkjet printing typically range from 1 to 100 picoliters, enabling fine control over deposition and minimizing ink waste while achieving feature sizes as small as 5-100 μm.^[62] Variants of the technology include continuous inkjet (CIJ), which generates a steady stream of charged droplets deflected electrostatically for high-speed industrial tasks like product coding and packaging, and DOD for versatile desktop and graphic arts use.^[64] High-speed single-pass DOD configurations, featuring arrays of fixed printheads, enable production-scale printing by moving substrates once beneath the heads at speeds up to 225 m/min.^[65] Recent advancements in the 2020s center on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) printheads, such as silicon-based piezoelectric designs that deliver 600 dpi resolution with variable drop sizes of 5-25 pL and support for aqueous or UV inks at production rates exceeding 130 m/min.^[66] Wide-format inkjet systems extend this capability to large-scale outputs, printing on rolls over 100 inches wide for applications like banners and signage.^[67] In fine art reproduction, giclée printing traces its origins to the 1991 adaptation of the IRIS inkjet printer, which employed archival pigment inks for fade-resistant prints on substrates like canvas, offering gallery-quality results with enhanced color fidelity and longevity.^[68] Beyond paper, inkjet printing applies to textiles through reactive inks that form covalent bonds with natural fibers such as cotton, yielding wash-fast, vibrant colors without requiring pre-treatment in some formulations.^[69] This versatility underscores inkjet's role in diverse substrates, from rigid media to fabrics.^[70]

Toner-Based Printing

Toner-based printing, also known as electrophotography, relies on the electrostatic attraction and deposition of dry or liquid toner particles to form images on a substrate, originating from the xerography process invented by Chester Carlson in 1938.^[71] The core mechanism begins with charging a photoconductive drum or belt to a uniform negative potential using a corona wire or roller, creating an electrostatic field.^[72] Exposure to a laser or LED modulated by the digital image selectively discharges areas corresponding to the desired print, forming a latent electrostatic image on the drum.^[3] Toner particles, oppositely charged, are then attracted to these discharged regions during development, transferred to the substrate via another electrostatic charge, and permanently fused using heat and pressure from rollers, typically at temperatures around 180-220°C.^[72] This dry process ensures precise toner adhesion without liquid solvents in standard implementations, though residual toner is cleaned from the drum for reuse in subsequent cycles.^[3] The primary variant employs dry toner in color laser printers, where fine polymer particles (5-10 microns) in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) are layered sequentially or in tandem to achieve full-color reproduction, enabling resolutions from 600 to 2400 dpi for sharp text and graphics.^[73] Print speeds reach up to 100 pages per minute (ppm) in production models, balancing throughput with image quality through efficient drum rotation and fuser efficiency.^[73] A notable alternative is liquid electrophotography, as in HP Indigo presses, which uses charged liquid inks (ElectroInk) with sub-micron particles suspended in a non-volatile carrier fluid, allowing for offset-like quality on diverse substrates while minimizing dust and enabling higher color gamut via seven-color configurations.^[74] Key developments include Canon's NP (New Process) system, developed in the late 1960s and commercialized in the 1970s, with 1980s advancements such as the NP-9030 introducing cleaner electrophotography by eliminating liquid developers and reducing pollution through integrated cartridge designs in models like the NP-9030, paving the way for compact office printers.^[75] In the 2020s, advancements focus on eco-toners, such as Xeikon's ECO series, formulated without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to lower emissions and improve de-inkability for recycling, aligning with sustainability goals in high-volume digital production.^[76]

Specialized Techniques

Specialized techniques in digital printing extend beyond conventional flat-sheet applications to address unique substrates and effects, enabling customization on curved, flexible, or non-porous surfaces. These methods often incorporate advanced ink formulations and precise deposition to achieve high adhesion and durability where standard inkjet or toner processes fall short.^[77] Digital cylinder printing, also known as rotary or helical printing, facilitates direct imaging on curved objects such as bottles and tumblers using UV-curable inks applied via multi-pass or helical mechanisms. In this process, the substrate rotates while the printhead delivers ink in a seamless, continuous motion, ensuring uniform coverage without seams that plague traditional methods. UV inks provide immediate curing upon exposure to ultraviolet light, enhancing durability against abrasion and chemicals on glass or plastic surfaces. Compared to silkscreen printing, digital cylinder techniques offer faster setup times and on-demand production, reducing waste and enabling short runs for personalized packaging.^[78]^[79]^[80] Thermal transfer printing, particularly dye-sublimation, specializes in vibrant, permanent designs on fabrics by converting solid dye into gas under heat and pressure, allowing penetration into synthetic fibers like polyester for wash-resistant results. The process involves printing a mirror image onto transfer paper, then applying heat (typically 180–220°C) to sublimate the dye directly into the substrate, avoiding surface cracking common in other transfers. This technique excels for textiles due to its ability to produce full-color, photorealistic outputs without pretreatment on compatible materials.^[81]^[82] Nanography, developed by Landa Digital Printing in the 2010s, employs water-based nanographic inks with nano-sized pigment particles (around 10–20 nanometers) ejected as microscopic droplets at high speeds to form water-based nanographic inks that dry almost instantly via nanotechnology-driven evaporation. This allows for high-speed, offset-quality printing on diverse substrates with minimal dot gain and superior color gamut, using a unique short dwell time for ink transfer. The technology supports B1-format presses, bridging digital and traditional production for commercial volumes.^[83]^[84] Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing incorporates pretreatment solutions to enhance ink adhesion on cotton and blends, where a chemical layer is applied to dark fabrics to prevent white ink absorption and promote even color layering. Pretreatment binds the water-based pigment inks to fibers, curing under heat for soft-hand feels and durability up to 50 washes. This step is essential for non-polyester textiles, addressing absorption variability that can lead to faded prints.^[85]^[86] Emerging trends in 2025 highlight printed electronics through conductive inks, such as silver nanoparticle formulations integrated into digital presses for fabricating flexible circuits, sensors, and RFID tags on substrates like PET films. These inks enable low-temperature curing (under 150°C) and maintain conductivity post-flexing, supporting IoT device production with market growth projected at 7.1% CAGR through 2034. Holography integration combines digital printing with phase-amplitude modulation to embed security holograms into color prints, using computer-generated patterns for anti-counterfeiting on labels and documents.^[87]^[88]^[89] A key challenge in these techniques is substrate adhesion on irregular shapes, where uneven surfaces cause ink pooling or delamination due to inconsistent contact and curing. Solutions involve adaptive printheads and primers, but variability in material porosity and geometry still demands precise calibration to avoid defects like cracking or peeling.^[77]^[90]

Applications

Commercial and Packaging

Digital printing plays a pivotal role in commercial applications, enabling efficient production of marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and variable direct mail campaigns.^[91]^[92] This technology supports short-run production, allowing businesses to create high-quality prints in smaller quantities without the setup costs associated with traditional offset methods, which is ideal for targeted marketing efforts.^[93] Variable data printing, a key feature, personalizes elements like addresses or customer-specific content in direct mail, enhancing engagement and response rates.^[91] In packaging, digital printing is extensively used for labels, folding cartons, and flexible films, providing versatility across substrates like paper, plastic, and corrugated materials.^[94]^[95] These applications allow for on-demand customization, such as unique designs or branding on pouches and boxes, meeting diverse industry needs from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals.^[96] The global market for digital printing in packaging and labels is valued at $22.0 billion in 2025, representing 4.1% of all printed packaging, with projections indicating growth to nearly $37 billion by 2030 due to rising demand for personalized solutions.^[97] A major benefit in commercial and packaging contexts is the facilitation of just-in-time production, which reduces inventory holding costs by enabling printing closer to demand and minimizing overstock.^[98] This approach integrates seamlessly with supply chains, offering faster turnaround times and lower obsolescence risks compared to conventional printing, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.^[99] Notable examples include direct printing on corrugated board for shipping containers, where digital methods deliver vibrant graphics and variable information without pre-printed plates, as seen in applications for e-commerce packaging.^[100] For food and beverage packaging, compliance is ensured through food-safe inks formulated under Good Manufacturing Practices, such as low-migration pigment inks that prevent substance transfer to contents, meeting FDA and EU standards.^[101]^[102]

Creative and On-Demand Uses

Digital printing has revolutionized fine art reproduction through techniques like Giclée printing, which employs high-resolution inkjet printers with archival pigment inks on canvas or fine art papers to produce limited-edition prints that closely mimic original artworks in color fidelity and detail.^[103] This method allows artists to create durable pieces resistant to fading, with many prints rated for over 100 years of display life under proper conditions.^[104] Similarly, photo printing leverages archival media such as cotton rag papers or metallic substrates coated with UV-protective layers, enabling photographers to output high-dynamic-range images with exceptional sharpness and longevity for gallery exhibitions or personal collections.^[105] In on-demand applications, digital printing facilitates print-on-demand (POD) book production, where platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) use toner-based or inkjet systems to generate paperback or hardcover books only upon customer orders, eliminating inventory costs and enabling self-publishers to reach global audiences swiftly.^[106] This approach supports variable content, such as personalized dedications or customized covers, printed in runs as small as one copy.^[107] For custom apparel and textiles, direct-to-garment (DTG) inkjet printing applies water-based inks directly onto fabrics like cotton or polyester blends, allowing for intricate, full-color designs on t-shirts, hoodies, or upholstery without screens or setups, ideal for small-batch e-commerce orders.^[108] Beyond art and apparel, digital printing produces large-format advertising banners on vinyl or mesh substrates using UV-curable inks for weather-resistant outdoor displays that can span up to 30 feet in length.^[109] In architecture, it enables quick-turnaround mockups on rigid materials like foam board or corrugated plastic, providing scaled prototypes for client presentations with precise color matching to digital renders.^[110] By 2025, augmented reality (AR)-enhanced prints have emerged as a creative extension, where QR codes or image markers on digitally printed posters or cards trigger overlaid digital animations via smartphone apps, blending physical art with interactive virtual elements for immersive advertising or educational uses.^[111] The market impact of these creative uses is evident in the surge of e-commerce personalization, where digital printing's short-run capabilities have driven a 6.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global digital printing sector, projected to reach $57 billion by 2033, fueled by demand for tailored products like monogrammed invitations or bespoke wall art.^[112] Enhancements such as sleeking, a digital foiling process that applies metallic laminates over printed areas for a high-gloss, variable-data shine, and digital embossing, which uses UV polymers to create tactile raised effects, add premium finishes to on-demand outputs, elevating consumer products like business cards or photo books without traditional tooling costs.^[113]^[114]

Benefits and Challenges

Advantages

Digital printing offers significant operational benefits, particularly in its streamlined production process. Unlike traditional offset methods that require extensive plate preparation and setup times often lasting hours, digital printing enables setups in mere minutes, allowing for rapid initiation of print jobs. This efficiency supports low minimum order quantities, making it ideal for small-scale productions without incurring high upfront costs associated with larger runs. Additionally, variable data printing (VDP), a core capability of digital systems, facilitates highly targeted marketing by enabling personalization of each printed piece—such as customizing names, images, or offers—directly from digital files, which boosts engagement and response rates in campaigns.^[115]^[116]^[117] In terms of quality and flexibility, digital printing excels in delivering high levels of customization while maintaining consistent output. It allows for on-the-fly modifications to designs without additional tooling, supporting intricate personalization that enhances creative applications like bespoke packaging or promotional materials. Color consistency is a key strength, as digital processes eliminate variations caused by plate wear or ink mixing in analog systems, ensuring uniform hues and tones across entire runs and even between reprints. Furthermore, its eco-friendly profile includes substantial waste reduction; digital printing can significantly reduce media setup waste compared to offset equivalents.^[118]^[119]^[120] Economically, digital printing provides notable cost savings, especially for short print runs under 500 units, where the absence of plates and setup expenses makes it more affordable than offset printing. This cost structure extends to faster time-to-market, with many operations achieving 24-hour turnarounds from file submission to finished product, enabling businesses to respond quickly to market demands or urgent needs without prolonged production delays.^[121]^[115] Sustainability advantages have become increasingly prominent in the 2020s, driven by advancements in materials and processes. Digital printing often employs low-volatile organic compound (VOC) inks, which reduce harmful emissions and improve indoor air quality during production compared to solvent-based alternatives. It also supports the use of recyclable substrates, allowing for closed-loop material cycles that enhance recoverability and reduce environmental impact. The shift toward more energy-efficient equipment and bio-based formulations further positions digital printing as a greener option, aligning with broader industry efforts to lower overall carbon footprints.^[122]^[123]^[124]

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite its advantages in short-run production, digital printing faces notable limitations, particularly in cost efficiency for large-scale operations. For high-volume printing, the per-page costs remain higher compared to analog methods like offset lithography, where economies of scale reduce marginal expenses significantly.^[125] Additionally, digital prints can exhibit lower durability on certain substrates, such as non-porous or flexible materials, due to challenges in ink adhesion and resistance to environmental factors like abrasion or moisture.^[126] Color gamut limitations also persist, as digital processes typically reproduce a narrower spectrum than analog techniques, which leverage specialized inks like Pantone for broader and more precise matching.^[127] Key challenges further constrain digital printing's adoption. Equipment maintenance demands substantial resources, including regular calibration and part replacements, to prevent downtime and ensure consistent output quality.^[128] Scalability for ultra-high volumes remains problematic, as current digital systems struggle to match the speed and throughput of traditional presses without significant investments in infrastructure.^[129] Looking ahead, future directions emphasize technological integrations to mitigate these issues. AI-driven automation, including predictive maintenance systems, is emerging to optimize equipment performance by forecasting failures and reducing unplanned downtime through real-time data analysis.^[130] High-speed inkjet technologies are projected to grow at double-digit CAGRs, potentially challenging offset in market share for applications like commercial printing and direct mail by 2030.^[131] Sustainable innovations, such as bio-inks derived from natural polymers and 3D-hybrid printing techniques that combine digital layering with biological materials, promise eco-friendly alternatives with enhanced biocompatibility, particularly in biomedical applications.^[132] As of 2025, key trends underscore digital printing's evolution. The sector is experiencing robust growth in packaging, with digital methods projected to represent approximately 7% of the market share by enabling personalized and short-run production amid rising e-commerce demands.^[133]^[134] Integration with IoT facilitates smart prints, where connected devices enable real-time monitoring, automated workflows, and interactive features like embedded sensors for supply chain tracking.^[135] Nanotechnology advancements in nanoparticle-based inks are enabling improved resolutions and detail in applications from electronics to high-fidelity graphics.^[136] As of November 2025, the global digital printing market is valued at around USD 34 billion, with ongoing growth fueled by AI and sustainability innovations.^[137]

References

[1]
What is digital printing? - Xerox
Digital printing advantages and disadvantages ... Digital printing technology excels at producing on demand and short print runs quickly and cost-effectively.
[2]
The History and Future of Digital Printing - BR Printers
Dec 27, 2022 · A lot of history led to the first digital printing press in 1993. In 1938, the first photocopy was made by Chester Carlson. The first photocopy ...
[3]
Inkjet - Digital Printing Technologies - DP3 Project
There are several advantages to these papers. One is that they can be manufactured to be much glossier than the porous-coated papers. Also, because the ink is ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[4]
[PDF] Explore the Different Print Technologies
Thermal Transfer printing is a digital printing method where the material is applied to paper or another material by melting a coating of ribbon so that it.
[5]
What are the Advantages of Digital Printing? - INX International
Operational efficiency, speed-to-market, customization, and an improved environmental footprint are just a few of the benefits realized from digital printing.
[6]
How Does Digital Printing Work? | HP® Tech Takes
Oct 20, 2019 · Digital printing is when you print a digital-based image onto print media. Whenever you print a file from your computer, phone, or flash drive, that's digital ...
[7]
Guide to RIP Software for High-Quality Prints - HP
RIP software, or Raster Image Processing software, optimizes digital images for printing by converting them into high-resolution raster images.
[8]
What Is RIP Software for Printing? - Mimaki USA
RIP in printing stands for “Raster Image Processor.” It is a highly specialized driver developed to make the printing process easier, faster, and more accurate.
[9]
Variable Data Printing Tools - VDP Software | Konica Minolta
Variable Data Printing (VDP) is a method that uses digital data to automatically change the information being printed without starting a new cycle.
[10]
The Evolution of Printing Technology: From Traditional Methods to ...
Oct 2, 2024 · The 1980s brought about a seismic shift with the introduction of digital printing technologies. Laser printers, which used electrostatic ...
[11]
A short history of digital print - PMG
Mid '80s – Office black and white laser printers become available ; Mid-late '80s – Desktop publishing emerges ; 1988 – First inkjet printer for consumers ...
[12]
Offset Printing vs Digital Printing: What's the Difference? - Printivity
Jul 30, 2025 · Offset presses can provide certain color controls that are superior to digital printing. For example, printing Pantone colors (a color ...
[13]
From Offset to Digital: The Transition Continues - WhatTheyThink
Jan 30, 2025 · Offset printing continues to be more cost-effective for longer print runs due to its lower consumable costs and economies of scale. Even so, ...
[14]
Digital vs. Offset: Debunking Definitive Crossover Claims
Aug 1, 2023 · A recent expert panel discussion that discussed the various criteria that contribute to determining the “sweet spot” for the crossover of offset to inkjet.Missing: key differences
[15]
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Digital Printing
Dec 19, 2023 · Traditional printing processes may use chemicals and/or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm both the environment and human health.
[16]
The Environmental Impact of Digital vs Lithographic Printing | News
Unlike traditional printing methods, digital printing requires no plates, resulting in less waste and lower carbon footprints.
[17]
Story of the First Xerography Experiments
Chester Carlson (1906-1968) invented the process of electrophotography, or xerography, in 1938. Over the next five years, he met with and was turned down by ...
[18]
[PDF] The Story of Xerography - Xerox
In 1938, Chester Carlson invented xerography out of two natural phenomena already known: materials of opposite electrical charges are attracted, and certain ...
[19]
Computer graphics comes of age - ACM Digital Library
These allowed computer users to plot the results of programs instead of plowing through reams of alphanumeric printout. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, ...
[20]
(PDF) Computer Scientists as Early Digital Artists - ResearchGate
Aug 7, 2025 · Computer graphics and early computer art are practically of the same age as computers. Since the moment when graphical output devices became ...
[21]
Progress and Trends in Ink-jet Printing Technology
In the 1970s, IBM licensed the technology and launched a massive development program to adapt continuous ink-jet technology for their computer printers.Missing: prototypes | Show results with:prototypes<|separator|>
[22]
The History of Canon 1976 - 1987 The first Premier Company Plan
[Products] The CLC-1, a digital full-color copying machine, is introduced. [Products] The EOS autofocus SLR camera is introduced along with a range of EF ...
[23]
The history of DTP & prepress - Prepressure
In the early nineties, the imagesetter market gradually moves from small 1-up devices to larger systems that are capable of imaging an entire press sheet. In ...Missing: Imagetsetter | Show results with:Imagetsetter
[24]
[PDF] Predicted and Unpredicted Changes In Non-Impact Printing: 1981
Resolution increased from 240 dpi to 300 dpi in the early 1980s to 2400 dpi. Pulse width modulation, smaller particle size toners and higher resolution made ...
[25]
Desktop Publishing 1985-1991: The Apple Computer Story
(c) the Aldus PageMaker software (the first DTP software) which facilitated the ready combination of text and graphics in columns. These five elements in all ...
[26]
About Us - Nash Editions
Nash Editions is a fine art digital print maker, founded by Graham Nash in 1991, and recognized by the Smithsonian for its role in digital fine art printing.Missing: Giclée | Show results with:Giclée
[27]
Origin of the Name Giclee or Giclée
Giclee was coined in 1991 by Jack Duganne at Nash Editions. It's derived from the French "gicleur" (spraying) and "gicleur" (nozzle), and initially for Iris ...Missing: advancements | Show results with:advancements
[28]
Printing Enters The Jet Age | Invention & Technology Magazine
Researchers experimented with a number of methods to eliminate the need for moving type. IBM engineers developed a system that magnetized a metal drum in the ...
[29]
https://www.ricoh-usa.com/en/insights/articles/the-cost-crossover-point-between-offset-and-digital
[30]
Cost Crossover Point Between Offset and Digital Printing | Ricoh USA
Historically, the cost crossover point was much lower. For instance, in 2010, the crossover for large production color digital printers was around 2,000 A4 ...
[31]
How are Digital and Offset Printing Markets Changing - Smithers
In stark contrast to offset litho, the digital print sector grows strongly from $103.1 billion in 2014 to $180.9 billion in 2024. Within digital, inkjet ...
[32]
Digital Printing in the US Industry Analysis, 2025 - IBISWorld
Digital printing expanded rapidly in the 2010s as businesses adopted it for faster, cheaper and more flexible production than traditional lithographic methods.
[33]
HP Inc. Unleashes Industry-leading Digital Printing Portfolio at drupa ...
Leveraging 30 years of HP Thermal Inkjet innovation and powered by proven single-pass HP PageWide Printing Technology, the new HP PageWide C500 Press ...
[34]
EFI Highlights Single-Pass Production Inkjet Printing at drupa
Jun 5, 2024 · It is highlighting its expertise in proven single-pass printing solutions for printing excellence in the packaging, display graphics, and textile markets.
[35]
Covid-19 accelerates major shifts occurring in global printing industry
2020 saw a drop of 11.6% in print volume with value down by 7.9%. The 2021 total market is valued at $760.6 billion printing the equivalent of 42.2 trillion A4 ...
[36]
How AI is Revolutionizing the Printing Industry - SumnerOne
May 2, 2025 · AI algorithms automatically optimize color output across media and devices. This ensures consistent results, better calibration, and fewer ...
[37]
Water-Based Color Dispersions for Digital Printing Propel ... - Lubrizol
Aug 11, 2025 · Digital printing uses environmentally friendlier inks that are water-based or UV-curable. These inks produce fewer volatile organic compounds ( ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
[38]
Digital Printing Market Size, Share & Trends Report, 2030
The global digital printing market size was estimated at USD 38.07 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 57.03 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR ...
[39]
Digital Printing in the US Market Size Statistics - IBISWorld
What was the market size of the Digital Printing in the US in 2025? The market size of the Digital Printing in the US is $15.2bn in 2025.Missing: share | Show results with:share
[40]
PDF/X Format Family (PDF for Prepress Graphics File Exchange)
May 9, 2024 · PDF/X is a family of ISO standards for prepress digital data exchange, restricting content not directly for high-quality print output.
[41]
What is PDF/X-1a | How to create or process a PDF X1A file
PDF/X is meant to be a standard that is independent from the specific production requirements of a type of printing.What Is A Pdf/x-1a File? · Which Other Pdf/x Flavors... · Pdf/x Is Just The Starting...<|control11|><|separator|>
[42]
What is a RIP software? - Caldera
Apr 16, 2024 · RIPs serve as the intermediary that converts various digital vector file formats such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, JPG, and EPS into raster images.
[43]
What is RIP Software? Raster Image Processor - Kornit Digital
The RIP is an important component in the printing process as it determines the color, screen pattern and resolution of the printed product. The quality of the ...
[44]
https://www.color.org/digitalprint.pdf
[45]
Digital Color Management in a Print Workflow | X-Rite Blog
Sep 29, 2022 · With digital color management, everyone involved in the print workflow can reference spectral values for specified colors and check accuracy at multiple steps ...Missing: RIP PDF/
[46]
[PDF] Digital Print Manufacturing: Color Management Workflows and Roles
Printer Responsibilities in a Distributed Color Managed Workflow. • Identify your print shop PRINT CONDITION capabilities. • Establish color calibration – ...
[47]
Discover the World of Digital Printing | HP® Official Site
What is Digital Printing? Digital printing is a modern printing method that leverages advanced liquid electrophotography (LEP) and thermal inkjet ...
[48]
(PDF) Phase-Change Inks - Academia.edu
Aqueous- or water-based inks, are often used in home and small office ink jet printers. Water-based ink jet inks have a viscosity range from 2 to 8 cP (4).Missing: gamut | Show results with:gamut
[49]
[PDF] Lightfastness of Water-based Inks vs. Latex Water-based Inks
Aug 6, 2021 · Until 2008, the top three digital printing technologies used were aqueous, commonly known as water-based inks, solvent-based inks, and UV-cured ...
[50]
Understanding Spot Colors (and their Role in Digital Printing)
May 23, 2016 · According to Pantone®, a seven-color process (CMYKOGV) can match roughly 90% of Pantone® spot colors. In the past, a digital printer needing to ...
[51]
[PDF] ABSTRACT DING, YI. Color Gamut Comparison Methodology and ...
May 10, 2016 · Physical properties. Printing properties. Functional properties. Viscosity. Good optical density. Machine compatibility. Specific gravity.
[52]
Offset to Aqueous Inkjet...the Basic Differences - Mary Schilling
Nov 20, 2013 · Inkjet coated papers are made with some porosity to allow absorption of the aqueous fluid. Ink dries by absorption unless the machine ...
[53]
The Impact of Printing Substrates on Color Reproduction
Common substrates include paper, cardboard, plastics, fabric, and metal. The texture, porosity, and finish of these materials significantly impact how ink ...
[54]
Digital Printing | OEcotextiles
Feb 3, 2012 · fabric has much greater absorbency, requiring many times the ink volume compared with printing on papers. Before any printing is carried out ...<|separator|>
[55]
DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING CHOICES: PRE-COATED OR IN-LINE ...
Jan 27, 2019 · Pre-treatment coats the fabric with a binder and cross-linker which enables the ink to bond to printed fabric in order to attain acceptable commercial ...
[56]
Demand for sustainable print technologies creates new business ...
The rapid adoption of bio-based solvent and water-based inks, with the current generation of vegetable oil inks already promising over 50% recycled content, and ...
[57]
Development of Water-Based Inks with Bio-Based Pigments ... - MDPI
This study aimed to determine the viability of bio-based pigments as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic pigments in digital textile printing.Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
[58]
Best Practices for Storing DTG Ink and Consumables - MTuTech
Rating 5.0 (7,285) Jul 31, 2025 · Always reseal containers tightly after use to prevent excessive exposure to air, which can cause the ink to dry up and clog printer nozzles.
[59]
A Guide To Waste Management In The Printing Industry | Enviro-Safe
It is always a good idea to keep printer ink waste that has been contaminated with hazardous cleaning solvents separate from noncontaminated printer ink waste.Missing: digital | Show results with:digital
[60]
Analysis of proper ink management impact on overall environmental ...
Aug 17, 2024 · Proper ink management can reduce ink needed by 52%, achieve 37% energy savings, and optimize print costs, contributing to sustainability.
[61]
Optimization and characterization of Drop-on-Demand inkjet printing ...
Drop-on-Demand (DOD) inkjet printing works by inducing a transient pressure pulse in the ink reservoir through electrical excitation of either a thermal or ...Missing: mechanism | Show results with:mechanism
[62]
[PDF] Understanding Inkjet Printed Pattern Generation - UC Berkeley EECS
May 5, 2011 · Three principal energy sources are used for droplet creation: heat, piezoelectric deflection, and electric field. In thermal-bubble inkjet ...
[63]
Inkjet Printer Development
Currently, most inkjet products touting high quality photo reproduction are capable of at least 1200 DPI resolution. Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson, and ...
[64]
What Are the Two Types of Inkjet Printing? - AROJET
Jul 6, 2023 · There are two types of inkjet printing; continuous inkjet and drop-on-demand inkjet printing. Both types use different techniques to produce ...
[65]
High-Speed Inkjet | SCREEN GP Americas, LLC
Reach speeds up to 225 meters per minute with single-pass, variable printing on uncoated stock. ... Digital Inkjet Production Solutions for professional print ...
[66]
How printhead innovation drives print quality and productivity - FESPA
Jun 19, 2025 · A new head, the innovation leverages the Dimatix proprietary piezoelectric inkjet technology, based on silicon Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems ...
[67]
Wide-Format Inkjet Technology- Part 3: Grand Format Printers - Ordant
Grand-format printers are high-capacity inkjet printers that can print on rolls of vinyl, canvas, films, papers, and fabrics more than 100 inches wide.
[68]
Inkjet/Giclée Print Process - Historic New Orleans Collection
Aug 30, 2005 · The French word giclée—which means “splash” or “spurt”—was first used in 1991 by Jack Duganne, an American printmaker, and originally referred ...
[69]
Inkjet Printing of Reactive Silver Ink on Textiles - ACS Publications
Jan 15, 2019 · Additionally, the inkjet printing of the reactive silver ink on knit textiles achieved unprecedented conductivity, bend durability, and wash ...
[70]
Reactive dye ink - Mimaki
Mimaki reactive dye ink enables printing on cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and some kinds of polyester. These dye inks produce vibrant colors.
[71]
Chester Carlson Xerography History - Xerox
Carlson originally called the process electrophotography. It's based on two natural phenomena: that materials of opposite electrical charges attract and ...Missing: mechanism | Show results with:mechanism
[72]
Electrophotography (Xerography) | Application - Matsusada Precision
Sep 24, 2025 · The electrophotographic process mainly consists of the following steps: charging, exposure, developing, transfer, fusing, and cleaning. Let's ...
[73]
Electrophotographic - Digital Printing Technologies - DP3 Project
Exposure - When light exposes the charged drum or belt, the charge becomes neutralized. In a laser printer, the laser is turned on and off by the digital data ...Missing: mechanism | Show results with:mechanism
[74]
Revoria Press PC1120 | FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
The Revoria Press PC1120 has a 6-color print engine, prints at 120 ppm with 2400 x 2400 dpi resolution, and supports various paper weights and sizes.
[75]
HP Indigo Digital Press Complete Overview | HP® Tech Takes
Oct 29, 2020 · The HP Indigo Press delivers high-quality prints with the widest colour capabilities and substrate versatility.Hp Indigo Digital Press: A... · Hp Indigo 100k Digital Press... · Hp Indigo 15k Digital Press...
[76]
The history of Canon's intellectual property in the printing field
In 1979, Canon began development of copiers for home use. By developing the revolutionary change in thinking and technology of the "all-in-one toner cartridge ...Missing: NPC | Show results with:NPC
[77]
Xeikon to Release ECO Toners for CHEETAH Technology
Aug 10, 2023 · ECO toners are de-inkable from both paper (Ingede reference) and foil (CADEL reference). • No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s<|control11|><|separator|>
[78]
Direct-to-Object Printing is Overcoming Challenges - Ink World ...
“In direct-to-shape digital printing, accuracy and consistency are even more challenging as the decoration is done without physically touching the surface,” ...
[79]
Cylinder UV Printer vs. Traditional Printing Methods - MTuTech
Rating 5.0 (7,273) Apr 7, 2025 · A Cylinder UV Printer is a digital printer that applies UV-cured ink to cylindrical and curved objects such as bottles, cans, tumblers, and ...Missing: helical | Show results with:helical
[80]
Why Cylindrical Digital Printer Outshines Traditional Screen Printing?
Oct 10, 2025 · Cylinder printer uses UV inks with fewer harmful chemicals. The process creates less waste and uses less energy. Companies can print on demand, ...
[81]
Rotary Seamless Printing on Stainless Steel Tumblers Bottles: HELIX
Helical printing works especially well for round or cylindrical shapes like water bottles because it can perfectly follow the curves of the surface.Missing: silkscreen | Show results with:silkscreen
[82]
Dye Sublimation | Maker Commons - Penn State
Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat and presser transfer to apply an image to the intended sublimation blank surface.Missing: thermal | Show results with:thermal
[83]
Digital Sublimation Printing on Knitted Polyamide 6.6 Fabric Treated ...
Jun 15, 2021 · This study addresses the surface modification of the PA6.6 textile substrate by activating non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure to receive dye.
[84]
Nanographic Printing - Landa
Allowing an entirely new paradigm for efficient and profitable printing, Nanography® enables you to migrate mainstream applications to digital production.
[85]
What is Nanographic Printing? - Blog - Quantum Group
Feb 9, 2023 · Nanographic printing is a digital print technology that uses the principles of nanotechnology to make print faster, more efficient, and more ...
[86]
Why pretreatment is needed in the DTG industry?
When printing on dark colored garments pretreatment is required for the white ink to adhere and build upon the garment. The application of a pretreatment layer ...
[87]
The importance of pre-treatment when using DTG printing
When printing onto white, 100% cotton garments, no pre-treatment is required. Therefore, the ink will sink into the garment itself, leaving an excellent soft ...
[88]
Global Conductive Ink Market Size & Share Report, 2030
The global conductive ink market size was valued at USD 2756.9 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 4.93 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of ...
[89]
Conductive Inks for Printed Electronics Market Size Report, 2034
Conductive inks for printed electronics market was valued at USD 3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.1% from 2025 to 2034 driven ...
[90]
Holographic colour prints for enhanced optical security by combined ...
Jan 3, 2019 · Here, we propose an optical security device that combines phase and amplitude control to integrate (multiple) holograms into a colour print, ...
[91]
Decorating Pre-manufactured Objects: Ink Challenges for Direct to ...
Jun 10, 2019 · Obtaining optimum jetting conditions is a common challenge in direct printing as many objects are irregular shapes. Thus, Jackman says the ...
[92]
Digital Printing: Short, Medium, and Long Variable Runs - PrintTech
Variable data printing is the digital printing process used to produce personalized direct mail ... business cards · address · location · decals · stickers · mail ...Missing: commercial brochures
[93]
Digital Printing - Denver - Hampden Press
Digital printing offers rapid turnaround times for a variety of products like brochures, booklets, flyers, postcards and more. It also supports variable data ...Missing: applications | Show results with:applications
[94]
Print Driven Communications Using Digital Printing - PDC Graphics
Ideal for short runs, data-driven direct mail, and high-impact marketing materials, digital printing allows businesses to produce high-quality print ...
[95]
Top 5 Packaging Printing Methods Explained
Digital printing is widely used on labels, folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and pouches, making it one of the most adaptable packaging printing methods ...
[96]
[PDF] Pursuing Packaging Printing with Digital Printing - NAPCO Media
Labels, folding cartons, corrugated containers, and flexible packaging are all print applications typically in high demand and cannot be easily replaced by ...
[97]
Digital Printing Makes Gains in Packaging - Ink World magazine -
Jul 15, 2024 · Digital printing is particularly strong in the label segment, with corrugated, folding cartons and flexible packaging growing quickly. By: DAVID ...
[98]
Digital printing for packaging to near $37 billion in 2030: Smithers ...
Jul 21, 2025 · The global digital packaging and label printing market is worth $22.0 billion, accounting for 4.1% of all printed packaging in 2025, ...
[99]
On-Demand Packaging: Reducing Waste with Just-In-Time Digital ...
Mar 9, 2024 · Integrating on-demand packaging with just-in-time printing delivers various advantages, including decreased inventory costs, minimized waste, ...
[100]
Processors are seeing benefits in digital printing | 2021-04-28
Apr 28, 2021 · Overall, digital preprint improves supply chain efficiency with faster turnaround time, reduced inventory costs and reduced obsolescence. PG ...
[101]
Guide to Digitally Printed Packaging - The BoxMaker
This article focuses on digital print for corrugated packaging and labels. The primary technologies discussed are those offered by The BoxMaker's fleet of HP ...
[102]
Artistri® Water-Based Inks for Packaging Printing - DuPont
DuPont™ Artistri® pigment inks for packaging printing is formulated for food packaging applications and manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ...
[103]
Food Safety Compliant Inks and Digital Print: What You Need to Know
Nov 1, 2018 · Not all digital print technologies are food safety compliant for primary packaging applications based on their ingredients and drying methods.
[104]
What is Giclée fine art printing? - Prodigi
Nov 27, 2020 · It's used to describe fine art printing using pigment based, archival quality inks, manufactured on advanced inkjet printers.
[105]
What is a Giclee Print? | Giclee Photo Printing - Tribeca Printworks
Feb 24, 2025 · Giclee printing is a type of digital printing that creates a higher quality outcome for photographs and artwork. Read our guide here!Where Does Giclee Come From? · Benefits Of Giclee Printing · Giclee Paper Vs. Canvas
[106]
Inkjet, Giclee and Digital Pigment Printing fine art services
Image Works specializes in archival digital printing, also known as giclée or pigment printing, for reproducing photographic and fine art imagery.
[107]
Self Publishing | Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to self-publish print and digital books, control content, design, price, and earn up to 70% royalty.Start publishing with KDP · Help · Self Publishing and KDP Select · KDP Select
[108]
How Amazon KDP Print On Demand Meets the Needs of Self ...
Feb 22, 2024 · Amazon KDP print on demand allows authors to sell books without inventory, is user-friendly, has low costs, and offers a 60% royalty, with fast ...
[109]
Kornit Digital – Sustainable Textile Printing Solutions
Kornit Digital is a print on demand company specializing in roll to roll, direct to garment digital printing and fulfillment services.Sustainable Textile Printing · Kornit Digital · Textile Printing Applications · CareersMissing: custom | Show results with:custom
[110]
https://www.catdi.com/industries/architectural-construction/
[111]
Architectural & Construction Printing Services - Catdi Printing
Comprehensive Source for Architectural and Construction Printing. Catdi Printing is the go-to print provider for construction and design firms.Unveiling The Range Of... · Trust Catdi Printing For... · Unlocking Opportunities...Missing: mockups | Show results with:mockups
[112]
Augmented Reality Printing: 5 Ways AR Can Enhance Print Media
Sep 15, 2025 · Augmented reality in print media can add another dimension to storytelling through digital immersion. You can embed behind-the-scenes videos, ...
[113]
Digital Printing Market Growth Trends & Forecast 2025-2033
Oct 31, 2025 · The Global Digital Printing Market was worth US$ 33.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$ 57.08 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.1% ...
[114]
What Is Sleeking®? - Nobelus University
Nov 10, 2022 · Sleeking® is a variable-data foiling method that enables printshops to customize and elevate digitally printed designs. Learn more here.Missing: embossing | Show results with:embossing
[115]
Digital Embellishments Transform Luxury Packaging Experience
Oct 22, 2025 · Discover the special digital embellishments that transform luxury packaging design, enhancing sustainability & brand experience.<|control11|><|separator|>
[116]
What is Digital Printing? Benefits, Methods, and Applications - EPACK
Sep 8, 2025 · Fast Turnaround: With no need for plate creation or manual setup, digital printing significantly reduces production time, making it ideal for ...
[117]
Everything You Need to Know About Digital Printing - Fujifilm
Why is Digital Printing Ideal for Short-Run Printing? · Lower Setup Costs – With offset printing, you'll need costly plates and skilled print specialists to ...Missing: minimum | Show results with:minimum
[118]
Direct Mail Marketing: 8 Benefits of Variable Data Printing
Variable Data Printing (VDP) personalizes direct mail, combining mass mailing cost with one-on-one appeal, and increases response rates.
[119]
Digital Printing Market Size, Share, Growth Forecast Report 2031
Digital printing eliminates the need for pre-printed inventory, reducing waste and allowing for short-run printing jobs. Also, enables personalization of ...
[120]
How Digital Printing Enhances Color Accuracy - Platon Graphics
Oct 23, 2024 · Consistency Across Print Runs Digital printing technologies, unlike traditional methods, offer precise control over colors and design elements. ...
[121]
[PDF] Sustaining our values
In fact, digital print reduces 90% of the analog-equivalent media setup waste, which amounts to cutting 20% of the carbon footprint of the printed job2.
[122]
Digital Printing vs Offset Printing: Which Is Best for You? - Soni Design
Jul 14, 2025 · Offset Printing. Best For, Short runs (under 500), Long runs (500+). Turnaround, Fast (hours to a few days), Slower (several days to weeks).
[123]
Sustainability and the Ink Industry - Ink World magazine
Feb 25, 2025 · “They entail developing eco-friendly ink and coating solutions such as low-VOC, recyclable formulations and functional coatings, as well as ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
[124]
Driving Circular Packaging in 2025: Sustainable Inks and Coatings
Jun 23, 2025 · Natural-based and low-VOC formulations replace petrochemical ingredients, cutting emissions and supporting healthier production environments.Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
[125]
Sustainable digital printing: Sicer research and innovation .LE
Oct 30, 2025 · The goal is to close the material cycle by developing recoverable inks and substrates, with industrial water purification and reuse processes.Missing: neutral 2020s
[126]
https://www.thecannatareport.com/digital-printing-growth-through-2033/
[127]
https://www.vslprint.com/printing-nyc/digital-printing/what-is-digital-printing-pros-cons-types-ultimate-guide/
[128]
What is Digital Printing? Pros, Cons & Types | Ultimate Guide
One limitation is the limited color range available in digital prints. Offset printers can reproduce a broader spectrum of colors using Pantone matching ...
[129]
Overcoming Production Printing Challenges
7 Common Production Printing Challenges · 1. Maintenance · 2. Scalability · 3. Cost Management · 4. Operational Inefficiencies · 5. Environmental Sustainability · 6.<|separator|>
[130]
The Hidden Challenges of Production Printing – What Clients Need ...
Feb 14, 2025 · 1. Equipment Downtime & Infrastructure Limitations · 2. Supply Chain Disruptions · 3. Quality Control Issues · 4. Scalability Challenges · 5. The ...
[131]
Artificial Intelligence in the Printing Industry: 2025 Workforce Trends
Sep 24, 2025 · These companies are exploring AI in: Scheduling optimization. Predictive maintenance. Automated estimating. Resource planning and forecasting.
[132]
The Inkjet Transformation: Trends, forecast, and drivers - Kodak
Mar 21, 2025 · With digital print, especially inkjet, growing at double-digit rates, it's clear the industry is at a tipping point, with growth projected to reach 48% by 2028.Missing: surpassing | Show results with:surpassing
[133]
Innovative bioinks for 3D bioprinting - PubMed Central - NIH
Jan 20, 2025 · This review explores the innovative bioinks that are currently shaping the future of 3D bioprinting, focusing on their composition, functionality, and potential
[134]
Digital Printing Packaging Market Driven by 9.8% CAGR
Market Growth: The digital printing packaging market is projected to grow from USD 29.12 billion in 2025 to USD 67.54 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 9.8%.
[135]
Smart Printing & Industry 4.0 | AI, IoT, and Automation in Printing
Aug 26, 2025 · Explore how smart printing transforms the industry with AI, IoT, and automated post-press processes. Improve efficiency, reduce waste, ...
[136]
Nanotechnology in the Printing Industry - AZoNano
Sep 25, 2014 · A new digital printing process based on nanotechnology was introduced by Landa Corporation in 2012. The process uses very small pigment water-based particles.Nanotechnology-Based... · Related Stories · Nano-Based Printing...