Dear Richard
I don't think you have grasped the concept of digital short run printing.
Dear Bob
Yes I am fully aware of some of the advantages and disadvantages of the technology, and have been following it's progress for some time, indeed at the last IPEX exhibition I spend some time looking at how it was coming along!
1/ The "press" is only as difficult to get right as your desktop inkjet.
Yes and we all know how difficult many find that! It's all very well, but with a big difference. You inkjet IS on your desktop allowing you to tweak images and immediately verify results, not so with the digital press! Just as much need to get your file right before jumping in the car to get it run off.
2/ The "press" can also be the proofer because you can print one or a thousand with equal ease. The whole idea of proofing and proof matching goes out of the window when the proof and final job are one and the same.
I quite agree, but my comments above still apply. Do you really want to stand in a queue whilst other customers put their test sheets through or wait to proof your job whilst others have theirs run off? I suspect that you will make sure your files are press ready, and that you are able to replicate their output on the office proofing system.
3/ Some of these digital machines are well under the cost of a litho press. More like the cost of an E6 line.
Sure.
Are there problems and stumbling blocks? Yes. Paper and board is cheaper in big sizes and bought by the ton. The smaller digital systems require expensive guillotining of smaller sheets compared with large scale litho print. Other finishing processes like varnishing are also more expensive on a small scale. It is probably this aspect of finishing costs which will keep me printing most of my stuff by offset litho on big presses.
My understanding is that paper can be a critical element which if not right results in poor adhesion of the toner. Need for ensuring that folds do not touch image areas otherwise flaking occurs....just like the office laser printer. Out of date paper etc. can lead to difficulties. On the question of toner/ink I believe it's a requirement to use the manufacturer's own product. No using 'independent' suppliers......now what a surprise that HP bought out Indigo!
However many of the operators of the digital "presses" will be offering standard "plans" for designs and layouts which will fit into their paper sizes most economically.
Perhaps one of the most important benefits of digital presses is database marketing where each sheet can be customised to a particular customer or customer type on the fly.
Cheers
Richard -- Scanning?.....Forget it! For Quality Drum Scans for Professionals that are really right see Labs section at www.prodig.org (and email Richard for pdf) =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
