Offset and digital printing

What will the future of the printing industry look like? Will digital printing replace offset printing? With the ever-increasing demands on the speed and flexibility of data transmission, and with the continued popularity of the Internet, as the demand for printing and printing costs continues to decrease, what changes will occur in various parts of the printing industry? In the coming years, will the situation of the printing industry be very difficult? Will television and radio lose viewers and audiences, and will readers of print media use the Internet instead of traditional media? Will traditional information media be replaced by e-paper, e-books, and e-commerce?
On May 23, at the press conference of Drupa 2000, Heidelberg representatives discussed the issue with more than 50 industry reporters from 15 countries. Dr. Eugen Holtert, Manager, Sheetfed Offset Division, Heidelberg, Marcel Kersling, Manager of Direct Imaging Department, and Wolfgang Paffezel, CEO of Digital Division, Heidelberg, attended the conference as representatives of the printing industry . Andres Wiber hosted the discussion. In the discussion before the discussion, the reporters agreed with the majority opinion of the Heidelberg company representative. Participants agreed that the printing industry has a bright future. Especially in Asia and Africa, the printing volume will increase significantly. This is because people in this region are much more eager for knowledge than other regions, and thus prints The demand is also relatively high. Heidelberg company proposed that electronic paper and electronic books will not replace or replace the traditional medium based on paper; this has also been recognized by most of the reporters. Many people believe that the Internet has created an opportunity for the printing industry, but there are also opinions that the printing industry must also prevent others from stealing its customers through cheap services. The printing industry has gradually developed, is able to adapt to the future, and is a winning one, Dr. Yougen Houter said that the traditional offset printing has not been threatened. This part of the market share is increasing as usual. He said: "For example, we only completed 50% of planned sales in this market during the first five days of Drupa." Offset printers have now achieved very successful results, and this part of the market is also increasing. For digital printing, the amount of machinery we currently install is less than 1% of offset printing.
However, forecasts indicate that there will be a significant increase in the digital printing market. Therefore, many companies are concerned about digital printing. Marcel Cosling said that as a precondition for using digital printing, all of the company’s work procedures must be fully digital. “Hydburg direct imaging technology pioneered this area. We selected a part of our customers and focused on promoting their digital printing processes. Digital printing helped them complete orders faster and more flexibly. Recent surveys have shown that Users using digital presses have higher income than normal." Their gross profit can even reach 42%. The goal of Heidelberg's digital printing department is to bridge the gap between traditional offset printing and emerging digital printing. The CEO of Digital Division of Heidelberg, Wofland Pfizermaer, stated: "The arguments of 'resistance from offset and digital printing' are wrong, which does not fit Heidelberg's strategy. The question is whether the print media can be so numerous. The status of the media stands firm. I would like to mention the term "solution provider." Heidelberg, as its user's partner, provides customers with solutions that can meet various needs. Our most important idea is to help our clients increase profits by providing advice, state-of-the-art technology and services. Wolfgang Pfeizelmer stated that digital printing technology solutions are only one of our many solutions. Heidelberg's goal is to provide customers with integrated, complete solutions through highly innovative technologies. Only technology is not enough. We also need solutions and expertise. Flexible digital printing and offset printing technologies will be the mainstream of the future printing industry. Participants agreed that there will be no distinction between analog and digital modes in the future. Technological optimization of small direct printing and indirect printing will become more and more popular. Both printing methods must adapt to the needs of users and the constant changes in India. There is no conflict between direct imaging and other technologies. Marshall Kesling said: “We have many customers who apply other technologies while applying direct imaging technology. We provide customers with digital process-based solutions to ensure that customers can produce in the shortest possible time. Outstanding quality prints.” Wafugang Pfizerymer emphasized that every technology of Heidelberg is designed to improve the competitiveness of its customers. "Our goal is to select and develop suitable print publishing technologies for our customers." The key is to provide the right process for a certain demand at the right time. Printing Goes Digital - Entering E-Commerce Some people say that the printing industry is currently facing enemies and is taking customers away from printers at a low price, thus threatening the printing industry. Pfeizeler pointed out that Heidelberg does not think so. In general, e-commerce offers many opportunities. In the face of technological changes and challenges that other industries have not encountered, the printing industry has her own unique experience. Euger Hottert pointed out: “The desktop printing system (DTP) that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s is a good example.” Wafugang Pfizerymer also stated: “From our company’s History can tell that we always put our users first. We will develop together with printers in this area."
Mr. Cesling said that we provide products, solutions and technical knowledge, but the final decision is our users. Euger Hottert also stated that many companies apply a combination of technologies. “We are in the process of transforming from simple offset printing technology to combinatorial technology, such as a combination of offset printing and digital printing technology or a combination of offset printing and inkjet technology.” The combination technology solution from Heidelberg is a good example. This solution consists of a Quickmaster 46DI and a personalized Digimaster 9110 (Digimaster 9110).
Dot-com companies on the Internet do affect the printing industry. The development of the Internet by Peng Bo has greatly promoted the advertising industry. Online companies have invested heavily in advertising, which is the business of newspapers and magazines. At the same time, the Internet provides a good digital infrastructure, and companies can operate better, faster, and more efficiently. Wulfon Pfeizeler suggested that the company win more orders by establishing its own Internet site and using the Internet as a trading platform. Many things will change due to the Internet, which increases the amount of print and some low-priced products. The Internet is an opportunity for small and medium-sized or large-scale printers. Heidelberg stated that she will support companies involved in e-commerce. Pfizermael announced: “A few weeks after the drupa show is over, we will provide relevant software for customers in this area.”