In this film, we walk through the BOBST Visionfold machine—an entry-level folding/gluer that enables customers to produce high-quality boxes with fast setup and medium speed. Edward Ziemba explains the features to Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft as they go through the machine. Enjoy!
When you contact Infinity Foils and Phillip Guillaume, you get stamping forms made of bronze or brass or hot or cold foils for analog and digital equipment. We got a chance to talk to Guillaume at the BOBST Open House in Santa Fe Springs, and as always, it's great to talk to people who know the market and products and help customers with opportunities.
It must be super exciting for Rob McCann, as he is moving from the US to Switzerland with his family to start a new position with BOBST—namely, the Tooling Director. In this interview, Rob McCann talks about how IoT is not just nice to have but a must to have. We, of course, also ask about how he will be bridging services, tools, new machines, etc., together as the entire ecosystem seems to be more and more integrated. Super interesting interview!
At the BOBST Open House today (November 6th, 2024), we got the chance to talk to Owen Koehler from Böhlerstrip - and if you are in the packaging business, you most likely know the company for being a very competent supplier of knives used for the die cutting forms. Here we learn about the different brands and when customers use the various products. Super interesting, and I must admit, an area that we didn't know much about, but that makes it just even better listening to Owen Koehler.
John Dickison shares interesting perspectives about tooling and how BOBST supports its customers with clever solutions. The birch trees used for the dies are sourced in the Baltics and have an extreme hardness because the trees grow slower than birch in warmer climates and, therefore, have properties perfect for die-cutting. The die boards are delivered with an RFID chip, enabling the die to connect to BOBST Connect. This, in return, gives customers a fantastic overview in BOBST Connect about the quality of the used dies, which in an eco-system between BOBST, the Customer, and the die-maker creates entirely new opportunities. Simply fantastic, and with 42 years in the industry, John Dickison is great to learn from - please enjoy!
Klaus Lammersiek has a background with HP and Scodix, and both will be valuable experiences in his only seven-month-old job as Head of Digital Transformation. Digital transformation is as much about educating and bringing staff forward as creating digital solutions for customers. Of course, digital transformation is not only about digital print but also using digital technology to optimize processes—and, well, become more profitable. It was great talking to Lammersiek!
Pete Dolfis, sales VP (Americas) for Tecnau, walks INKISH through the Stack 1212 cut-sheet stacking solution for B2+ format digital print output. The streamlined machine reduces manual handling and requires no guillotine cutting. It's ideal for applications such as letters, books, brochures, postcards, and posters!
In the middle of our presentations from Standard Finishing at PRINTING United, we suddenly see Rosemarie Garvey from Blooming Color. Of course, we ask her for a short statement about Horizon; as we know, Blooming Color focuses on HP, Horizon (sold by Standard Finishing), and Ultimate - so listen to her words here.
At PRINTING United, we got to look at the new Horizon BQ300 - perfectly explained by Paul Steinke. The BQ300 is still a one-clamp solution but still manages 500 books an hour and has been updated to be integrated with the I.C.E. IoT solution from Horizon + a few other interesting things - but listen to Paul Steinke :-)
Johan Laurent from Standard Finishing gives us a presentation of the Stichliner MK V, which was introduced as a web solution only - but at PRINTING United, we get to see the sheet module that makes the stitching solution capable of both web and cut sheet. The Stitchliner has many super interesting features, i.e., individual scoring of every sheet in a book block, variable stitch length, and much more - and fast - not to forget. But listen to Johan Laurent and learn from the master :-)
Kyle Pucci, imageXpert's director of application engineering, says the JetXpert Print Station is an all-in-one inkjet development tool that handles drop-watching, prototype printing, and print. The technology won a 2024 Pinnacle Award.
Screen has long been recognized as one of the leading Inkjet printer OEMs in the market. At PRINTING United, we got the chance to talk to VP of Marketing Mark Schlimme about their continued focus on web-fed Inkjet printing and how the new Truepress JET S320 fits the bill as a machine that can be used as a backup for the popular 520 series. It was great listening to Mark Schlimme, so please enjoy!
Self-proclaimed “women-in-print champion” and visionary Lisbeth Lyons Black talks with INKISH’s Mark Vruno about her first two years at the WIP Alliance. An important new membership initiative kicked off last month.
At PRINTING United, we got to catch up with Holly Steedman from IST Intech. IST Intech is owned by IST Metz, known for its UV solutions for many different types of printing presses, and IST Intech is a UK-based company that focuses on integration partners. So IST Intech is more about a special solution that can be used, not only in the printing industry but in any industry, utilizing LED-UV. IST Intech also entirely focuses on digital print solutions. In this interview, we learn how IST Intech and the Business & Technology Development Director get more and more customers in the American market. Holly Steedman is always interesting to listen to, and you will also often see her speaking at various conferences - so stay tuned!
In this film, Holly Steedman from IST Intech shows us how to control LED-UV lamps. Controlling the lamps will save energy and extend the lamp's expected life span. Still, combining the above with having lamps controlled to the PDF printed may even open up entirely new opportunities. It's super interesting to learn, and as Steedman explains, the technology is already available in many of the lamps supplied by IST but not utilized in the controller software that can have been developed by other people—smart!
Robert Lugg works for the company GIS. GIS is deeply involved in digital inkjet development and delivers hardware and software. As laymen, we often talk about Inkjet as a single and straightforward technology, but it really consists of various elements from the controller, to the driers, to ink, to the ink supply system, to the printhead, and probably many more things. GIS delivers software and ink-supply systems to Inkjet partners, and at PRINTING United, the software that turned the IST Intech lamps on/off, as you could see in the episode with Holly Steedman (IST Intech), was developed by GIS. Listen to Robert Lugg here, and learn :-)
In this interview, we talk to Tom Piere from FourPees and focus on the progress of Atomyx, which we covered in Gent earlier this year. More partners have been unboarded, and even the first paying customers are now onboarded. The company looks pretty confident when listening to Tom Peire in this interview. For those who don't know Atomyx, this is a platform that is built to seamlessly connect web applications and services, so you can have one brand of MIS coupled with a Web-to-Print solution of another brand, coupled with a Workflow system from a third brand and so forth. This is without intense IT investments. This obviously requires that the OEMs enable this functionality, but more and more customers have already done so, and more are on their way. Tom Peire announced a couple of new partners in this interview - enjoy!
Mark's quest for American exhibitors or stories allowed him to talk to Elie Khoury, who talked about a jam-packed show. Alwan Color Expertise shows a spectrometric color management system that enables a printer to match print output with a reference image/color - interesting!
Mark's quest for American exhibitors or stories allowed him to talk to Elie Khoury, who talked about a jam-packed show. Alwan Color Expertise shows a spectrometric color management system that enables a printer to match print output with a reference image/color - interesting!
The interview features Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH speaking with Bruno Müller from Müller Martini about the significant transformations the company has undergone over the past 35 years. Bruno Müller discusses the evolution from his early days in the newspaper division to adapting to major shifts in the industry, particularly the decline in newspaper production and the rise of digital printing technologies. Bruno highlights the company's focus on listening to customer needs and adapting its culture, products, and strategies to market demands. He emphasizes the challenges of managing spare parts for older machines, which were not originally designed to last as long as they have. This has necessitated a shift in the company's approach to production, moving towards modular designs that use common components to streamline operations and reduce complexity. The interview also touches on the recent acquisition of Hunkeler, describing it as a strategic fit that complements Müller Martini's strengths and enhances its product offerings. Bruno Müller notes the importance of evolving business models in response to digital technology advancements, which is crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the printing industry.
In this interview, Pat McGrew talks to Dr. Frank Schaum from Heidelberg about the JetFire. The JetFire is the first Inkjet product launched in collaboration with Canon, and it came as a huge surprise to most at Drupa—even considered the most interesting news at the entire show. Now it's time to listen to Dr. Frank Schaum in his conversation with Pat McGrew!
Tom Baker is responsible for selling MBO post-press equipment in the UK, and he explains in this film that things are pretty OK. The Cobo Stack has also been a success in the UK - but dig in and listen for yourself!
The first time we met Brett Stow was during the planning of our trip to Minneapolis. Still, as there was a snowstorm in Minnesota, we didn't get the chance to meet each other in person, but that changed at Drupa, where we got the chance to meet at two booths of companies represented by Brett Stow—namely KAMA and Perfecta. In this interview, we met with Stow at the Perfecta booth, to discuss how the products fit into an American context—enjoy!
BST is a well-known brand in more than just the printing industry; they provide various inspection systems that ensure printers deliver what's expected. Though a competitive market, Global Sales Director Sajid Malik explains that BST has a huge market share—also because of its long history. Interesting insights!
Reitoft welcomes Taketsugu and thanks him for joining despite the late hour in Japan. Taketsugu, representing Horizon, is busy preparing for Drupa, the major industry show in Düsseldorf. Reitoft expresses admiration for Horizon's continuous innovation and commitment to R&D. Taketsugu affirms that Horizon is still developing new ideas and is committed to achieving its smart factory concept, which began in 2019 and remains a work in progress. They discuss Horizon's use of robotics, AGVs, and robot arms, all integral to their smart factory initiatives. Taketsugu explains that the demand for such technology is growing, particularly in Europe and the US, where automation is sought for repetitive tasks. Although Japan's printing industry lags in adopting new technologies, Taketsugu mentions that labor shortages due to an aging population are driving a gradual increase in demand for automation. The conversation shifts to Horizon's iCE LiNK platform, which integrates both hardware and software, emphasizing the importance of data collection for operational efficiency. Taketsugu highlights the collaboration with software vendors to enhance data utility, which benefits both Horizon and its customers by providing insights and predictive maintenance alerts. Reitoft inquires about data security concerns. Taketsugu reassures that Horizon only collects machine data, not personal data, and emphasizes customer transparency. They discuss Horizon's long-standing partnerships, such as with Hunkeler, which continue despite industry changes like acquisitions. Taketsugu shares that Horizon will showcase 18 different solutions at Drupa, including bookbinding technologies and various automated systems. Reitoft praises Horizon's modular equipment design, which allows for scalability and integration based on customer needs. Reitoft acknowledges Horizon's market-driven approach and the importance of customer feedback in its development process. Taketsugu mentions Horizon's expansive booth at Drupa, which will feature live presentations and demonstrations by knowledgeable staff. Finally, Reitoft and Taketsugu discuss the overall market outlook. While the printing industry's volume may be shrinking, opportunities within specific segments, such as books with increasing titles but shorter runs, are growing. Taketsugu highlights the feasibility of short-run and on-demand printing, which aligns with current market trends.
Morten Reitoft and Tim Sterbak discuss IST Metz's preparations for Drupa 2024. Sterbak, from IST Metz, shares his excitement about their participation and reveals that they have extensively redesigned their entire product portfolio, incorporating significant innovations. Sterbak mentions IST Metz's collaborations, such as their work with Heidelberg, where IST lamps are installed on a CX104 and their partnership with Weillberger for sustainable coating solutions. He highlights that IST Metz will showcase various new products, including mercury lamps and LED solutions, which have been redesigned for better efficiency and performance. Sterbak explains that IST Metz is focused on making their products more sustainable and energy-efficient. They produce their lamps in-house, ensuring high quality and longevity. He mentions introducing a new "Free Cure" solution that eliminates the need for inertization and photoinitiators, making the curing process more efficient. Reitoft inquires about the redesign process, to which Sterbak responds that it involves improving heat management and durability. They aim to make their products more efficient and environmentally friendly. He discusses IST Metz's approach to providing tailored solutions for different applications, using a modular system to meet specific customer needs. Sterbak introduces "Smart Cure," an AI-driven system that optimizes the power usage of curing systems based on job parameters. This leads to significant energy savings and extended product lifespans. The system can adjust power levels automatically, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the carbon footprint. Sterbak expresses his enthusiasm for Drupa, noting that it will be his first time attending the event. He invites visitors to IST Metz's booth to see their innovations and discuss solutions tailored to their needs. Reitoft praises Sterbak's presentation and looks forward to seeing IST Metz's contributions at Drupa. The conversation concludes with Reitoft thanking Sterbak and mentioning upcoming events, including the next non-event in December.
Morten Reitoft and Theo Buchmeyer discuss Manroland Goss's participation in the upcoming Drupa 2024. Buchmeyer emphasizes the importance of attending Drupa for the company despite the absence of their "brother" company. He sees it as a key opportunity to showcase new products, meet customers, and build new relationships. Reitoft praises Manroland Goss for adapting to market changes through refurbishment and technological innovations, ensuring the continued relevance of their web offset presses. Buchmeyer confirms the significant install base of over 3,000 active presses worldwide and their plans to support these with retrofits and improvements. They discuss Drupa's role as a statement of commitment to the future of the print industry and the importance of maintaining connections with customers. Buchmeyer highlights the company's efforts to integrate digital tools like VPN and IoT boxes for monitoring press performance and predicting downtime, enhancing productivity through tools like Manroland Sense, an artificial intelligence tool for predictive maintenance. Buchmeyer acknowledges the growth of digital printing but emphasizes that offset printing remains a robust, productive process for mid to large runs. He predicts a coexistence of both technologies, offset retaining its place in the industry for the foreseeable future. Manroland Goss's booth at Drupa will focus on its new VarioMAN packaging press, showcasing its flexibility and cost-efficiency in reducing production costs and carbon footprint. It will also demonstrate maintenance tools and emphasize the importance of sustainability and extending the economic life of its installed presses. Reitoft and Buchmeyer discuss the continued relevance and growth of web offset printing in certain markets, noting that some customers are expanding their volumes through consolidation and new titles. Buchmeyer concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting the existing install base and showcasing Manroland Goss's upgrades and innovations at Drupa.
Matthias Miederer and Morten Reitoft discuss the developments at KAMA and their plans for Drupa 2024. Miederer, who started working for KAMA as the Head of Product Management earlier this year, explains his role in strengthening the link between sales and development. He introduces KAMA as a supplier of post-press finishing solutions, focusing on tailored solutions for short to medium-run finishing, especially targeting the digital printing market. Reitoft showcases a product from KAMA's customer, Studio on Fire, emphasizing the added value and quality KAMA's equipment brings to print products. Miederer agrees, highlighting the company's commitment to providing efficient finishing solutions that help customers offer more to their clients and gain new jobs. They discuss KAMA's new product, the Hammerhead, a digital embellishment machine capable of coatings/varnishes and metallization. Miederer explains that the Hammerhead continues KAMA's tradition of building solid, robust machines while integrating efficiency and speed for digital embellishment. The machine offers a B2 platform ready for B1 and can run at 5,700 sheets per hour, making it flexible and suitable for various production needs. Reitoft asks about the potential market for digital embellishment. Miederer acknowledges the slow growth compared to digital printing but sees increasing interest and adoption. He emphasizes the need to educate graphic designers and the benefits of digital embellishment in offering flexible, tool-free, and unique finishes compared to traditional methods. They then discuss the FlexFold, KAMA's high-speed folding and gluing machine with a high level of automation. Miederer highlights its quick setup times and suitability for the pharmaceutical market with built-in Braille functionality. He mentions that KAMA will showcase the ProCut 76, FlexFold, Hammerhead videos and samples, and animations of new robotic solutions at Drupa. The conversation wraps up with Reitoft noting the importance of KAMA's solutions and looking forward to seeing Miederer at Drupa in two weeks.
Morten Reitoft and Shlomo Nimrodi discuss preparations and expectations for Drupa 2024. Nimrodi, who recently traveled from Seattle to New York, emphasizes balancing daily business operations with Drupa preparations. He notes that his recent US trip involves meeting with the sales team and potential clients, some of whom plan to attend Drupa, to finalize deals. Nimrodi reflects on the changes in Highcon's team since the last Drupa in 2016, highlighting the positive impact of new team members and their energy. He describes Highcon's strategic pivot towards industrial-scale packaging for corrugated and folding cartons, moving away from more niche markets. This shift aims to mainstream digital die-cutting and meet the market's needs more effectively. At Drupa, Highcon will showcase significant improvements, including a 50% increase in productivity through technological advancements and process changes. They will introduce the Beam 3, the Beam Writer (an offline device for faster job setup), and upgraded versions of their existing equipment. Highcon will focus on customer applications and their products' substantial productivity and efficiency gains. Nimrodi discusses the importance of customer feedback and involvement in product development, particularly with the new Vulcan model. This collaborative approach ensures that Highcon's innovations align with market needs and helps mitigate risks. He also highlights the success of the Beam Writer, which allows customers to increase productivity without the need for additional machines, offering a cost-effective solution. The conversation ends with Reitoft thanking Nimrodi for his participation and expressing mutual appreciation for their ongoing collaboration. Nimrodi acknowledges the value of Reitoft's contributions to the industry and looks forward to seeing him at Drupa.
Morten Reitoft and Julie Watson discuss Ultimate Tech's preparations and excitement for Drupa 2024. Watson highlights the company's recent activities, partnerships, and technology introductions. She explains that while Printing United was significant for introducing new technologies like the AI-driven cutting buddy and new nesting technologies, Drupa remains crucial for showcasing its latest innovations to a global audience. Watson mentions the upcoming releases, including the 2024.1 version of Impostrip with enhanced job organization features and compatibility with PDF X4 from the Ghent Workgroup. She also discusses their container version of Impostrip on AWS, demonstrating their commitment to cloud-based solutions. Ultimate Tech will showcase its full-featured solutions across multiple platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows). Reitoft asks about Ultimate Tech's integration capabilities, particularly with their Ultimate Bindery software, which automates finishing processes and supports over 85 devices. Watson explains that their drivers validate jobs and automate device setups, allowing seamless integration and reduced manual intervention. They discuss Impostrip/Bindery's scalability, highlighting its ability to handle high volumes of short-run digital print jobs efficiently. Watson emphasizes the importance of starting with automation and gradually integrating more processes and devices to enhance productivity. Watson also discusses integrating their solutions with other systems, such as MIS and Web2Print platforms, using APIs for open connectivity. She mentions their collaboration with Omikai to showcase an end-to-end workflow solution at Drupa. Reitoft and Watson conclude by discussing the logistical ease of being a software company at Drupa compared to hardware manufacturers and the historical significance of Ultimate Tech's participation since 1990. Watson shares a personal anecdote about her family’s long-standing involvement in the industry.
Morten Reitoft and John Blyth discuss the upcoming Drupa 2024, reflecting on the excitement and challenges leading up to the event. Blyth mentions that it's been eight years since the last Drupa, and there's a significant amount of anticipation and celebration around the event. He highlights Ricoh's readiness to showcase its innovations and commitment to its client's success through partnership and transformation. Reitoft notes that it's Ricoh's fourth Drupa, emphasizing the company's relatively recent emergence as a major player in the industry. Blyth recalls joining Ricoh 12 years ago when the company was still establishing its presence, and he expresses pride in Ricoh's rapid development and expansion since then. Blyth explains that attending Drupa was an easy decision for Ricoh, as it provides a unique opportunity to showcase their refreshed production printing hardware range, including the Pro Z75 (the world's first B2+ inkjet sheet-fed device with aqueous ink and auto-perfecting) and the new flagship high-speed inkjet Webfed device, the Pro VC80000. Ricoh aims to create a memorable experience with their "House of Hinkaku" theater, featuring a multisensory show highlighting their commitment to transformational innovation. Reitoft asks about the meaning of "Hinkaku," which Blyth explains as "transformational innovation," emphasizing fundamental and far-reaching change. This ethos underpins Ricoh's approach to innovation, which involves collaboration with partners and clients to meet their specific needs. Blyth mentions the importance of aligning their products with market needs through consultation and feedback programs. He recalls the successful launch of the Pro Z75, highlighting the collaborative effort between Ricoh's Japanese R&D team and European staff. Reitoft compliments Ricoh's booth design, noting its contemporary and minimalist style with Japanese influences, including a theater structure reminiscent of a Japanese temple and calming gardens. Blyth confirms the booth's bright accent colors, including pink and purple, and hints at a Japanese flavor in their offerings. The interview concludes with Reitoft thanking Blyth for his time and looking forward to seeing him at Drupa.
Mathew Faulkner and Morten B. Reitoft discuss the upcoming Drupa event and the significance of print technology. Faulkner expresses excitement about Drupa and praises the printed materials being produced for the event. Both reflect on the evolution and impact of inkjet technology, noting its importance and versatility in the industry. Faulkner highlights Canon's advancements in wide-format printing, particularly the UV gel technology and the ability to produce both gloss and matte finishes in one workflow. He discusses the growth potential in digital print for interior decor, packaging, and other applications, emphasizing the opportunities for short runs, customization, and on-demand printing. They also touch on the importance of automation and workflow efficiency in handling personalized print jobs and the role of Web2Print solutions. Mathew Faulkner explains Canon's booth at Drupa, which will feature a sensory experience showcasing the power of print to evoke emotions and transform businesses. Faulkner delves into the emotional impact of print, referencing psychological theories and how print can create meaningful customer journeys. Reitoft appreciates Canon's innovative applications and encourages attendees to visit Canon's booth at Drupa. The conversation ends with Faulkner expressing his enthusiasm for the event and its opportunities for the print industry.
Editor Morten B. Reitoft welcomes the audience to the final pre-Drupa Live event, the fourth in a series. He acknowledged previous technical issues in Casablanca and hoped for a smoother session - which we got :-) The program will feature Matthew Faulkner from Canon as the first guest and will be broadcast on multiple platforms (LinkedIn, Inkish TV, YouTube, and Facebook), encouraging audience engagement through questions. Reitoft discusses the impact of Drupa's cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19 and the industry's anticipation for the 2024 edition, which is two weeks away. He describes the planning process, which began a year ago, and the creation of a physical brochure called "Drupa 24" featuring high-profile industry figures like Montserrat Peidro, Ulrich Stetter, Anthony Thirlby, François Martin, John Sommers, Paul Hudson, and Sarah Kilcoyne-Guilliam, offering their perspectives on the event. A daily segment called "Bonjour," a casual show featuring industry guests over croissants and coffee, is mentioned, with hosts like Pat McGrew. Key guests for these segments include Dr. Andreas Pleßke, Annette Friskopp, Daniel Erni, Ralf Sameck, Christoph Gamper, Julie Watson, Yasu Taketsugu, Jennifer Kolloczek, Volker Leonhardt, Diego Dias, Jordi Giralt, Erik Normann, and Tim Sterbach. Reitoft highlights the extensive coverage planned for Drupa, with over 300 films and episodes featuring industry insights on technology, business, sustainability, IoT, robots, and workflow. INKISH and its content partners will be key sources for updates on the event. They also introduce the INKISH In-Flight magazine, a 144-page printed publication available as a physical copy or a digital file, with an option to have it delivered to hotels for €15. The speaker expresses excitement for Drupa and its opportunities for networking and technology showcases, transitioning to the first guest, Matthew Faulkner, with a brief introduction.
The conversation is an interview with Andreas Weber, discussing his involvement with the printing industry and his contributions, including writing a book on Drupa. Weber mentions his experience of being a part of Drupa multiple times and his excitement about it. He highlights the significance of Drupa in the printing industry, its historical context, and its impact on the German economy. Andreas shares insights on the book he co-authored to celebrate Drupa's 40th anniversary, reflecting on the exhibition's history and its role in advancing the machinery business in Germany. Weber and Reitoft discuss various topics, including the internet's influence on trade shows and the printing industry, the importance of cross-media campaigns, and the challenges of adopting innovation in the industry. Andreas stresses the need for the industry to evolve with new business models and embrace print and digital media. Weber also points out the industry's reluctance to adopt innovative ideas, citing an example of an on-demand newspaper project that failed to gain publisher support despite clear demand. The conversation touches on the economic importance of trade shows like Drupa and the changes in visitor numbers post-COVID. They also discuss the value of print media in an increasingly digital world and the potential threats and opportunities posed by digital transformation. The interview concludes with Andreas Weber expressing the need to reanimate the pioneering spirit of Drupa's founders to support the industry's future.
ROQ has come to Fespa with a 100% digital presence! This might seem odd for a longstanding and well-known supplier of screen printing equipment. Roq has managed to address the needs of its customers, who are looking for fast turnaround and automation in direct-to-garment (DTG). This DTG setup can output +200 photo-quality prints per hour, João Sá explains, and only one operator is needed for loading and offloading.
Arlon is an American established name within the broad fleet and vehicle graphics solutions segment. Their offering varies from full or partial vehicle wraps, fleet markings, and window films. Arlon has its EMEA headquarters in The Hague (NL) and therefore plays a home match here in Amsterdam. In our pleasant conversation with their Vice President, Adam Bratter, we learned that Quality is at the core of everything they do, and that is reflected in their products. A pleasant introduction to Arlon Graphics.
Dynamic companies have dynamic staff, so we meet Carmen Eicher, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the swissQprint group. As a Swiss-based supplier of high-quality printing and cutting solutions, they have given their best and emphasized their brand's impeccable quality and reliability, resulting in a 36-month full warranty as their new promise to the industry. Now that many new players are entering the market, this is a welcome and strong KPI for end users. So, let's find out more about this bold "move" and strategy.
The owner. The CEO. The Boss, and despite all the titles, he is also the one who has the vision for where his new company and software, atomic, should be in the future. Promises are given, and expectations can be high, yet Tom Peire is humble - maybe because of his Belgian background? Maybe because he and his team recognize that this software COULD be a game-changer, and yet they want the results to speak for themselves. Make your mind up. Listen to Tom!
We claim that Bernd Zipper is the number one in Europe, which he denies, but listen to him in this interview, you get a clear idea that his knowledge and experience are beyond most. Mass Customization is not just a word but the necessity of where print is developing. With interesting examples, like his shoes, his shirt, and his jacket, Bernd Zipper talks about mass customization - and if you want to know more, Online Print Symposium is the place: https://online-print-symposium.de/en/
David Zwang, speaker, consultant, and writer, gave a super nice presentation at the Atomyx event in Gent this morning. He spoke about the Cloud and whether it is a viable technology for workflow/automation. He also spoke about how the different Industry X versions change more and more rapidly, making it very visible to the audience how the world is changing and requiring faster and faster decisions. In this interview, we talk about whether the technology or the mindset is the real show stopper - but listen for yourself, and remember to enjoy!
Atomyx will add value to Omikai's MIS solution and offer more functionality to our customers, as Atomyx offers deeper and more than similar solutions in the market. CEO Mathias Erlandsson from OMIKAI is very pleased working with Atomyx and trusts the future relationship. Projects involving Atomyx are already in the pipeline!
David van Driessche is the CTO of Atomyx, and in this interview, David, among other things, talks about how difficult it is not to talk about a product you have worked on for a long time. Being the CTO of a software company, of course, requires input - lots of input. Enjoy!
It was a great pleasure to meet Toon Van Rossum in Gent, now as Product Manager for Atomyx. Many may remember Toon from the many interviews we have done with him while he worked for Enfocus - but now he is back in the printing industry responsible for Atomyx. In this interview, Toon speaks about the platform, but also how he bridges input from customers to developers. Enjoy!
Back in the printing industry, Cindy Van Luyck is now positioning ATOMYX for the future. In this interview, we talk to her about being back in the industry after trying something completely different, but also how she and her team will communicate ATOMYX. This is, of course, part of our Launch Event coverage!
Four Pees is finally revealing its new software platform - ATOMYX, and we are covering the event. During the day, we will share stories about the platform - what it does, its implications, and its potential. More than 100 people from Europe and the US are here to see, learn, and network and I wouldn't be surprised to sign up for the SDK kits that are available for the platform. Read more at www.atomyx.io
In this interview we talk to one of the owners of Realisaprint.com, Rafael Mari. Realisaprint delivers online print in France, North Italy, and Spain, with plans for even more countries. The entirely digital company decided to become a launch customer with Ricoh on their new Pro Z75 inkjet printer. In this interview, we discuss digital print, finishing, and how Realisaprint came to the Pro Z75 decision.
Nothing like friendly competition between the UK, Germany, and France being the most important markets for Ricoh in Europe - and seriously, all markets are important :-) In this interview with Jean-Manuel Jenn from Ricoh France, we learn more about Ricoh and how the market develops. Enjoy!
In the Ricoh PRO Z75 launch introduction, Sander Sondaal talks about partnerships and how important it is. Rafael Mari - one of the two founders of Realisaprint, joins the conversation and confirms how important a partnership is - and - well, listen and learn!
Today, Ricoh officially launched the new PRO Z75 to the market - a B2+ size water-based Inkjet printer. An amazing machine focusing on the Commercial print space, but with its print on substrates up to 600 microns, is also interesting for packaging printers. With 1200 x 1200 DPI and the ability to print up to 4500 sheets an hour, Ricoh has taken a huge step into the cut-sheet market with a machine that can compete with offset and toner-based printing. In this walkthrough, Sander Sondaal gives you an idea about how the machine has been built up and works - also with space for expansion in the future. All-in-all a super nice introduction to the PRO Z75. Thank you for having INKISH on-site with Realisaprint in Contes to learn and document :-)
Always interesting to understand a technology about the market it addresses - and in this interview, we ask whether the Pro Z75 addresses the existing toner market, the competition in the inkjet space, or even the offset space. Listen to Sander Sondaal to learn his perspective on this :-)
Delivering a new and very anticipated machine is interesting, and in this interview with Sander Sondaal from Ricoh Europe, you will get insights about the journey. Why did it take longer time than anticipated? How does Sander see this in the market - which will also be dived deeper into in a separate film on INKISH - but listen, and enjoy! Soon we will also have the walkthrough we refer to in this film :-)
In this interview with Sander Sondaal, Editor Morten B. Reitoft asks questions that explain how the machine delivers. From the B2 sized drawers to options with pallet feeding, to the print technology inside the PRO Z75, and also for whom the machine is for. During the day you can see samples, more details of how the machines work, and more - so stay tuned!
In this almost 30-minute long walkthrough of the new AGFA SpeedSet 1060, you will learn a lot. According to specialists like Sean Smyth and Jeff Wettersten, it is super interesting technology and a machine that will be a game-changer in the digital packaging industry! Enjoy the walkthrough with Matt Brooks from AGFA and Editor Morten B. Reitoft.
Rita Torfs is the Product Manager of the new AGFA SpeedSet 1060 inkjet machine, which just launched at the Unboxing SpeedSet 1060 event. In this interview, you'll get a chance to hear about the project and the effort that goes into developing products over the years. Super nice meeting Rita Torfs!
Matt Brooks is the head of AGFA's Digital Packaging Solutions division, and for years, he and his team have been working on the SpeedSet 1060. An amazing technology. In this interview, you will get an overview of the development of the market, and in our Walkthrough, you will learn more about how the machine works and what makes it special - watch both of them!
Super interesting interview with Arnaud Calleja from AGFA. As you may recall, AGFA changed strategy a couple of years ago, sold off its offset division (now ECO3), and turned towards an entirely digital strategy - still combined with other business units within chemical, medical, radiology, green hydrogen, and other super interesting areas - in this interview with VP of Digital Printing Solutions Arnaud Calleja, Editor Morten B. Reitoft a chance to understand more about how AGFA is changing. We are sure you will like it :-)
At the AGFA Unboxing event, we met Roy Oomen from Highcon - and as both Highcon and AGFA deliver solutions for digital packaging as such, not a huge surprise - A growing partnership is on its way, and Highcon even presented their finishing solutions to the audience - but listen to what Roy Oomen has to say in this interview Cambridge.
Jeff Wettersten works as an analyst with Keypoint Intelligence and gave his analysis on the packaging market - and was very direct that the AGFA SpeedSet 1060 is nothing but a gamechanger about the market needs now, but even more important in the future - Speed, Quality, and no need for changeovers are important KPI's of the new machine - Editor Morten B. Reitoft got a chance to talk to him after his presentation!
Everything that can go digital will go digital - and in a presentation at the Unboxing event of the new AGFA SpeedSet 1060, Sean Smyth from Pira International explains the trends. Editor Morten B. Reitoft gets the opportunity to ask whether AGFA ticks all the boxes with their new press - so dig in and learn :-)
First, we had to talk about Hunkeler Innovationdays, which took place in Switzerland in February - and CMO Hans Gut confirmed what we already knew - a fantastic success for everybody. As HP has been a strong partner for years, it's only natural to meet Hans Gut at the HP #PrintAhead event, and with all the new machines already announced but also expected shortly, we talk about the opportunities Hunkeler has - as always, great listening to Hans Gut. Enjoy!
Finally, we are ready to show you our films from Brazil and Argentina, and the first is from Gráfica Forma Certa and COO Francisco Souza. Forma Certa is an amazing printing company that has almost entirely been transformed into one of Brazil's leading digital printing companies. Having a company that used to supply other printing companies with plates and is now so dedicated to IT development, digital books, and all the amazing things the company does is amazing. The perspective is even more challenging for US and European people as buying technology and getting into Brazil is considerably more difficult than in our countries. Francisco Souza explains how his three HP T-series are configured with three Hunkeler finishing lines - an amazing company and a super interesting story. The language is in Portuguese but, of course, with subtitles in English. Enjoy!
Hunkeler has worked with digital print post-press for 41 years and has so many installations that it has almost become the de facto standard in digital post-press. Marco Kunz explains the Starbook Plow Folder in this presentation, and Hans Gut shares about the company's roll-based finishing solutions. Super great chat around the presentation with good insights! Get Work Done is for sure a good headline for what Hunkeler delivers!
In this film, Head of Product Management & Corporate Marketing Adrian Mayr gives us some insight from the Müller Martini operation in Zofingen, Switzerland. It's not the first time we've filmed from Müller Martini, but it was interesting to see it again and learn how they service their customers globally. Enjoy!
In this Coffee Break session from Bronte's booth at Innovationdays, Francesco Crotti speaks with Jan Friedrich from Hunkeler. Friedrich explains how important Bronte is as a glue between the customer and the ability to produce books of one. Interesting views!
Who's better to conclude on the Innovationdays than Michel Hunkeler? In our fourth and last Bonjour session, your hosts Jacques Michiels and Morten B. Reitoft talk to Michel Hunkeler. A very satisfied Michel Hunkeler also says that Hunkeler has many great things in the pipeline for the future - though without revealing any details - but we tried - promise!
Christoph Müller runs the customer experience center at Müller Martini's headquarters in Zofringen in, Switzerland, but at Innovationdays, he is presenting the company's binding lines. In the short interview, he explains how he tests papers and binding when not at Innovationdays to help customers maximize their investment. Enjoy!
Hunkeler can do “Books of 1”, so let's look at their new Book Sorting Module. Benjamin Locher, product manager, explains to us some of the important advantages of this particular module at the end of the impressive new Starbook plow folder line. As NEXT LEVEL AUTOMATION is the motto and dominant theme of the Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023, we see how they practice what they preach.
At Innovationdays, INKISH starts early, and though today's Bonjour was filmed a bit later due to the late arrival of planes from America, we are certain that you will like this format. Informat, fun, and still to learn from. In the first Bonjour, you'll meet Annette Friskopp, General Manager, HP PageWide - responsible for HP T-Series Advantage 2200, and Daniel Erni, who took over the CEO position for Hunkeler on January 1st, 2023. Interesting chat moderated by your INKISH hosts, Jacques Michiels and Morten B. Reitoft.
Jordi Giralt is a relatively new CBO with German KAMA. KAMA is more than 125 years old, and as Jordi Giralt explains in the Get Work Done session, the inventor of creasing/scoring - and being one of the first offering folding/gluers, it makes sense. In this session, Jordi Giralt and Editor Morten B. Reitoft talk about the unique products and, therefore, also the value proposition KAMA offers.
In this Get Work Done session, Bryan Takano, Yasuo Taketsugu, and Naresh Bedi give us a view into the engine room at Horizon, showing their new MiniCABS binding solution, AGVs, and robot arms. It is great to see, and if seeing is believing - you certainly get it here!
Books of one is super interesting, and the company Schmedt focuses entirely on books. With their technology, customers can easily make case-bound/hardcover books - interesting for photo book producers and commercial printing companies interested in getting into hardcover book production. This is a LIVE demo from Schmedt, and Constantin Schmedt gives you great insight. Super interesting - the entire process is presented here! Enjoy!
In this Get Work Done session, Scott Peterson and Thomas Olofsson from Tecnau give you insight into the world of digital binding - focusing on their Cut Stack products. Cut Stacking can be used for products like postcards, posters, and other flat products, but it can also be used for producing book blocks. Tecnau also presents the inline integration with Canon, so all in all a great overview of Tecnau solutions, and of course, spiced with great conversations and loads of humor :-)
MBO did what we liked the most - involve customers showing MBO Cobo-stacks cobots at work at customer Kohlhammer. It's super interesting to see, and as it's not a DEMO but real live production, you see the changeover, how little operator invention is needed to serve four folding lines. Afterward, Dietmar Schrimm gives an overview of the technology, and we talk about why some of the digital solutions are very popular in the US and not so much in Europe - we believe it's mainly because people don't know about the opportunities and mainly know MBO for its folders. But an interest Get Work Done session - we are sure you will like!
Hunkeler has worked with digital print post-press for 41 years and has so many installations that it has almost become the de facto standard in digital post-press. Marco Kunz explains the Starbook Plow Folder in this presentation, and Hans Gut shares about the company's roll-based finishing solutions. Super great chat around the presentation with good insights! Get Work Done is for sure a good headline for what Hunkeler delivers!
GSE Dispensing is a Dutch company with 50 years behind them. The company develops and produces ink dispensing machines. Your humble editor must admit that he initially didn't understand what GSE Dispensing delivers before Onno Deen explained that he is selling a machine that can mix inks. The bell rang, and I realized it was a machine to mix inks, so I could understand the application. With a software solution in front of the machine, GSE Dispensing can mix spot color, but they can even keep track of all your left-overs and by this also use the leftovers as a base for mixing new colors - super interesting :-)
At the IST UV-Days, INKISH got the chance to talk to owner and CEO Remko Koolbergen from DG Press. The company is based in the Netherlands and specializes in security print and packaging. Producing both offset presses and an interesting concept where you add the technology you need - almost like a label press but with further options - and intended for another market. The products are used to produce money and other highly advanced applications - and though the market is stable, Remko Koolbergen seems to have an almost endless belief in the future - super cool!
When you see printed electronics, it's almost unbelievable, and yet the technology has been around for 30 years. At the IST UV-Days, Philipp Hölzl from Elantas also explains the advantages, shows examples, and gives us an insight into how their ink helps their customers. Printed batteries, solar panels, sensors, and even OLED screens are just some of the opportunities the technology offers. With the conductive inks from Elantas, traditional screen printers can print products that are almost out of this world. This is certainly worth checking out, as this is something many have heard and most likely fewer seen - unbelievably cool!
Think about it. A family-owned ink manufacturer more than 250 years old and still on the top of the development curve. In this interview with Roland Schröder from Huber Group, we get some interesting background about the Munich-based Huber Group, and not only do we see and learn about the company, but also why UV inks are increasingly interesting, as the LED-technology becomes more and more capable. Roland Schröder shows a magazine printed on a web-offset press where the gas heating has been replaced with LED-UV. Super great result, and shown as it explains why the higher price on UV inks isn't a problem if you look at the entire production process - but don't take my word for it, listen to Roland Schröder - Super cool guy :-)
Simon Roberts is the MD/GM of IST Intech in the UK. With a background in automotive, his perspective is broader than print, and he also explains that as IST Intech grows, it's important to grow outside the printing industry even more. Interesting interview that also touches upon the integration between the different branches - and always interesting to talk to management., and understand where business is going. Enjoy!
Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability. In this film, we speak to Christophe Dujardin, who explains how the sustainability agenda is being handled by Kurz. We find it a very interesting story, as it's not only about reducing waste but everything from reducing the impact of the product to recycling the waste - super interesting!
MPrint is one of the many interesting companies in the Leonhard Kurz group. MPrint focuses on developing and producing compact digital print units that can be used in industrial applications. At the IST UV-Days, Sales Director Achim Herzog explains the difficulties with compact designs and also the opportunities with the modular and diverse approach of the devices. At IST UV-Days, MPrint also shows a work-in-progress CMYK print module, and have got a lot of great feedback from the market, but see for yourself :-)
Céline Dumas is relatively new with Komori-Chambon, and maybe you don't know the company - but here you get an insight that guides you to what they are. Komori-Chambon is part of the Japanese Komori group but operates entirely independently at two locations in France. They develop packaging equipment within the offset, flexo, and rotogravure segments, but they offer end-to-end solutions developed entirely by the company. Komori-Chambon delivers mainly high-volume production, and asking Céline Dumas about product types, the answer is instant - 'think milk' with a lower voice and 'tobacco.' But listen for yourself, and I am sure if you need to know more, Céline Dumas is ready to connect with you via LinkedIn - see the link below!
In this film, we take a deeper dive into the NEOS universe to understand how NEOS differentiates itself from the competitors and how they think about inkjet in a relatively crowded market - and this was a wonderful experience. NEOS is from North Italy, and the modularity is simply super great. It can be configured to almost every application type and printed on almost all types of substrates - super cool. In the walkthrough, you will easily understand how you can build a configuration that suits your need regarding substrate, application, speed, and even economy, and the machine can grow with your business. Frank de Jonge knows his printer and gives you great insight into this film - enjoy and learn!
Sebastian Stange works in the fantastic Koenig & Bauer demo center in Radebeul and was part of the panel with Sabine Geldermann (drupa), Stéphane Royère (KURZ), and Tim Sterbak (IST Metz) talking about one year to drupa among other things. Interesting chat with Sebastian Stange, and as always interesting to hear what's up with Koenig & Bauer!
At the IST UV-Days, Sabine Geldermann joined a panel discussion with Stéphane Royère (KURZ), Sebastian Stange (Koenig & Bauer), and Tim Sterbak (IST Metz) under the headline 'One year to drupa.' It was a great debate with many interesting views about sustainability, supply issues, digital transformation, packaging, etc. And in this interview, INKISH got the chance to talk to Sabine Gelderman, following up on both the panel debate and her expectations for the upcoming 2024 edition of drupa. Enjoy!
At the 'Seiko Open Week 2022 event' people from all segments of the industry were represented. Juan Castells works with Itaca, one of the leading manufacturers of organic pigment. The pigments are used in both digital and analog inks and are quite interesting to learn and understand about the ink market - especially with a focus on tiles. Juan Castells also showcase examples of how other materials can be printed with the right mix of ink and printhead. The next venture is to digitally print vinyl and other products. Enjoy!
EFI and Seiko have been partners for years, and for industrial printing, EFI relied on the expertise of Seiko. At Seiko Open Week 2022, Carlos Carrtalá Sanchis and a few of his colleagues joined the Open Week 2022 event to learn, share, and find inspiration. Interesting always to see how collaboration is a given among large companies! GREAT!
The potential with Inkjet is amazing, and recently Seiko Instruments in Germany employed Fabio Tallarico, who has an engineering background in textile. With his background, he is supporting the growing interest in the textile industry in inkjet. Interesting!
Talking to Emilio Estrellas was a good experience. Projecta is an Italian manufacturer of tile/ceramic printers, and while we in the graphics arts industry just started the digital transformation today the tile market is 98% produced in digital. Interesting to learn, and also show that talking digital and inkjet is more of a replacement market rather than a transformation market. Interesting!
At the Seiko Open Week 2022, Christian Goebel built a test printer to show how Seiko printheads can be used to print in all directions - from the side, from the top, and even from the bottom - quite amazing. ideeGO has among other things build machines that print on all the sides of plastic boxes, to support a comprehensive logistics solution. Jetting from the distance is also one of the things the Seiko printheads are capable of, which you can see in the video jetting on uneven surfaces. Learn!
Stefan Kessler from Lambda presents in this film their NIR - or Near Infra-Red curing solution that is the perfect solution for water-based curing. With the right frequency of the bulb, the drying process starts from the inside of the ink and gives the printer a number of advantages. If you are printing with UV, you know that it's photo-initiators that react to the UV-light, and though low-migration UV and a broader frequency perspective open up for UV to be used with food packaging, water-based has numerous advantages. This film is good to get wiser on!
Truly great to talk to Arne Ditscher from Cadis - who we met for the first time in our #LearnWithUs webinar about Inkjet last year. At Seiko Open Week 2022, Arne Ditscher showed how Cadis can help customers develop industrial inkjet solutions enabling print on numerous surfaces, even 3D surfaces, and more. One of the VERY interesting this is an Inkjet simulator Cadis is developing. Imagine a database with printheads, inks, and even substrates with all the properties you can imagine. Now the emulator can take an object and emulate what printheads and inks are best for this particular application. An amazing software, and as you can understand, software that can cut down development time, and cost!
Siegwerk also participates in the Seiko Open Week 2022 in Frankfurt, and one of the things he is showcasing is a new mat UV varnish they have developed for Inkjet. In the interview with Adrian Haas, we talk about how Siegwerk develops inks and varnishes for inkjet, currently only available for flexo. Great chat, and for sure to learn from!
If you wonder what DoDxAct stands for you are probably not the first to ask, and understanding what Mark Bale does - the name is ingenious! The abbreviation is short for Drop On Demand (e)Xact - and that is exactly what all this is about. As you know, or will learn in this film, the printheads are only one of the essential components of a functional printer. The controller, the ink, and obviously the substrate needs to be aligned to make a perfect output. Mark Bale focuses on the printhead, where he teaches, consults, and also has a lab where he can test all of the above. Enjoy the film!
Almost 30 years ago Jigish Chiniwala started his business developing solutions for marking and coding. Today the company delivers solutions to more than 30 countries from marking and coding to complex security solutions. In the interview, Jigish Chiniwala explains the journey, and we also learn that security can't rely on only one technology. Enjoy!
Matthew Pullen works for Meteor Inkjet, and designs and produces the controller hard- and software enabling the print to hit the printheads in the right order, and fast enough! Matthew Pullen in particular works with the Meteor DropWatcher that compares the expected output with the actual output and enables through software to correct eventual errors on the go. Amazing what technology can do to maximize profitability. Enjoy!
Michael Ryan is about to celebrate a personal milestone, September 1st, working 20 years for FESPA - a warm congratulations, and what an impact you and FESPA have - and we know you have a big share in that journey. Ryan also revealed that FESPA is adding a sustainability section to its website - interesting and totally aligned with what everybody in the industry is addressing. Also, 30% more visitors at FESPA just halfway into the show - no reason why Ryan shouldn't be smiling - congratulations!
Lot’s of smiling faces at the Fujifilm booth; business is going well for them, and they brought a new hybrid machine to the show - here is the Fujifilm Acuity Prime Hybrid. As one of the first, INKISH gets the details, presented by Oliver Mills, of this world première on camera at Fespa. Speed, flexibility, and quality are at the rendezvous, and that’s how we at INKISH like to work, too, showcasing this World Premiere and other films and news from the industry. Good vibes and atmosphere here in Munich. Enjoy! Read more about the machine here.
Great interview with Daniel Boronat from Kao. They contribute to the printing industry with their expertise in creating the right inks for the right machines and applications. They seem very well placed to follow the industry's shift from traditional printing to inkjet, so we had to ask them. Good insights, and also interesting to hear from the chemistry side of printing.
Canon @ Fespa 2023, where we get a detailed and personal look at their beautiful and colorful booth. Our guide is Mathew Faulkner, Canon's Director of Marketing and Innovation, Wide Format Printing. You join me on this comprehensive tour, from new large-format printing solutions to new software and back.
COO Armand Schoonbrood from Mondi is responsible for the corrugated segment within Mondi and is an existing customer with BHS. Schoonbrood several times mentioned that BHS is a frontrunner and that he is very excited about the new Jetliner and how that can help companies to more sustainable production in the future. Super interesting to learn from!
Robert Olsson from DS Smith has one of the most exciting job titles in our mind - Print Performance Development Manager. In this interview, we get a chance to understand how changes in the market influence demand and production and how DS-Smith manages this. DS Smith is a customer with BHS and uses the opportunity of the BHS Open House to learn more :-)
Almost all sales & distribution of BHS equipment come from fully-owned subsidiaries, but in Iberia (Spain and Portugal), this is handled by the long-time partner JC Consejeros. Javier Bermejo Parejo has a background in digital print but has now moved to a new position selling BHS equipment - and he seems to like it a lot :-)
John Lingle is the Sheet Feeder Manager of Schwarz Partners, and as he explains to me, probably one of the largest sheet suppliers in the US. Schwarz Partners operates 14 plants and has experienced amazing growth these years. Being in Europe visiting BHS is great, as it gives him a great opportunity to check out some of the newest technology. Enjoy the film!
It's always great to meet new people, and Dave Boles, President of Atlantic Packaging Products, is no exception. Experience, knowledge, and a strong focus on achieving goals drive him and the group of companies he manages. Under the Atlantic Group name, Dave Boles is responsible for paper production, converting, and print; the group even has other specialties they service. During the interview, Dave Boles also explained that everything is measured and that the companies operate under an almost zero-error policy, which gave the company a lot of advantages during the pandemic. Seems to be a good place to be :-) Dave Boles also said during the interview that they recently placed two VERY large orders with BHS - so all in all - great :-)
John Potocsnak Jr. is the CEO of Corrugated Supplies, which mainly operates in the midwest of the US. In this interview, he explains that their formula for success works for them, and they see a growing market ahead of them. BHS is a central component in the journey as they operate nine BHS corrugators and two from another vendor. Potocsnak emphasizes the importance of BHS as they outperform the competitors, but he also talks about BHS as a partner since they have a long-term commitment to the industry. Interesting to learn from!
In this interview, Area Sales Manager for Germany (and German operations abroad) Thomas Murr explains how important the relationship is. It's about understanding the customer's needs, being as much a consultant giving the best possible advice, and being patient; this is the secret 'sauce' for Thomas Murr - and, by the way, something several of his colleagues mentioned. But listen, and learn., Thomas Murr has a great passion for his work and is beyond friendly to speak with!
The BHS Open House '23, in Münster, gives us a lot of opportunities to talk to some of the specialists working for BHS - and of course, the new Jetliner gets a lot of attention. One of the people working on the machine is Tobias Fries, a product manager with knowledge and background in commercial print.
Area Sales- & Key Account Manager Michael Bauer is good news for the industry. He is young and has a passion like no other, and he explains why he believes the industry is also great for young people. Technology, products, and the sustainability of corrugated packaging are just a few things he emphasizes in this interview - enjoy!
At the BHS Open House in Münster, BHS CFO Dr. Thomas List presented a Pay-Per-Use model for BHS equipment, making the cost of running an operation almost 100% variable, doesn't impact the balance sheet and enabling customers to scale faster. In this interview, Editor Morten B. Reitoft tries to understand how the components in financing work - and we believe it's a good session to learn from. Enjoy!
Eiji Kajita is responsible for Komori's operation in Europe and has been working out of the Utrecht office for about a year. In this conversations you get the chance to know Mr. Kajita a bit better - his background, how it is, for him, living in Europe, and also how he sees the European print market. Interesting insights, which we hope you'll like! Enjoy!
AMS is most recognized as one of the pioneers of LED UV, and in this film, VP Pat Keogh gives us a great insight into why AMS still considers itself the industry leader in LED UV. Editor Morten B. Reitoft also asks Pat Keogh how PSPs should identify which UV solution is the right for them? LED UV has become an extremely important curing source for many printers as it dries the sheets or the rolls immediately, but listen for yourself and enjoy the interview :-)
Marco Boer has become (for many years) a number-one go-to source for market development and understanding how digital print, particularly inkjet, fits the bill in a future printing landscape. At ICE/InPrint, we got a chance to talk to Marco, and we spoke about the split between research to understand the future combined with the presentations of the present, which are equally important. We also discuss whether the digital transformation takes place at such a speed that the research might become obsolete before publication. However, Marco Boer has an eternal hunger for knowledge, and as he says (even with an example), he learns EVERY day. Enjoy!
This is interesting. If you think UV is UV, think again. In this interview, IST Metz's Volker Selg explains the various types of curing technologies the company has specialized in, from Mercury UV and LED-UV to Excimer, which enable UV to be used for matt surfaces. IST Metz develops and builds everything in-house, which enables flexible products produced on demand for its customers globally.
At ICE/InPrint, Business & Technology Development Director Holly Steedman explains why IST is now named IST Intech - and of course, we get into why LED UV is getting more and more important. As she explains, LED UV is still new, so many opportunities are still unresolved, and IST seems to be working hard on delivering solutions.
In this 'Conversations' with Editor Morten B. Reitoft, HP General Manager Annette Friskopp explains what drives her and how her competitive mindset drives her own ambitions, employees, and the entire company. In this open-minded interview, Annette Friskopp also explains how she was brought to HP to ensure agility and also how she has learned the advantages of both small and even more large organizations. Great conversation, and happy that INKISH got this opportunity at Innovationdays. Enjoy!
Schätzl Print Emotion is a German printing company that has been covered numerous times on INKISH - and for good reasons. We first visited the company because of an investment in Scodix. The second time because we did a lot of educational videos for the company in both German and English, and this time it's because Schätzl Print Emotion have invested in their first inkjet machine, namely the Canon iX-3200 - and that is, of course, interesting as Schätzl Print Emotion is a high-quality photobook producer (among other things), but also since the company since we visited the company last time has been acquired by Elanders. Lots of interesting perspectives, and as usual, Ulrich Schätzl is open-minded and speaks openly about the interesting perspectives he sees in the market. Enjoy! LinkedIn Profiles: Steven Asumang https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-asumang-3592a3161/
Who's better to conclude on the Innovationdays than Michel Hunkeler? In our fourth and last Bonjour session, your hosts Jacques Michiels and Morten B. Reitoft talk to Michel Hunkeler. A very satisfied Michel Hunkeler also says that Hunkeler has many great things in the pipeline for the future - though without revealing any details - but we tried - promise!
We enjoy our Bonjour format, inviting different people into exciting chats about the industry. We welcome Giulia Sinatra and Jacob Hededam Hummel from Meccanotecnica and HP to this morning's session. Of course, we talk about print and technology, but we also talk about how to make the industry more attractive to young people. Really a good morning show, so enjoy :-)
65 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 300 meters per minute corrugated production, but on top of that, full quality inkjet print integrated. Seems impossible, but it's here, and though the market might be limited, it opens up for entirely new applications. In this interview, Head of Digital RSR Sales / Global Senior Expert - Digital Print, Nils Gottfried, gives you the insight that explains the potential. INKISH will soon show the machine in one of our popular walk-throughs - we are still trying to figure out how to do it right - but we will :-)
Marco Boer has become (for many years) a number-one go-to source for market development and understanding how digital print, particularly inkjet, fits the bill in a future printing landscape. At ICE/InPrint, we got a chance to talk to Marco, and we spoke about the split between research to understand the future combined with the presentations of the present, which are equally important. We also discuss whether the digital transformation takes place at such a speed that the research might become obsolete before publication. However, Marco Boer has an eternal hunger for knowledge, and as he says (even with an example), he learns EVERY day. Enjoy!
At ICE/InPrint in Munich, you didn't only meet DURST but also Koenig & Bauer, Koenig Bauer Durst, and Durst - three legal entities that have decided to work together. Many are foreseeing the new VarioJet 106 that will soon hit the folding carton market, but in this film, we also get the chance to talk to Vice President of Sales Christian Harder about the success based on product diversification, having a clear focus on being the best in each of the segments the company addresses - and well, listen to the story and learn. Durst is a well-established company, but despite its age, it has developed into a company that today defines what many companies would like to be!
This is interesting. If you think UV is UV, think again. In this interview, IST Metz's Volker Selg explains the various types of curing technologies the company has specialized in, from Mercury UV and LED-UV to Excimer, which enable UV to be used for matt surfaces. IST Metz develops and builds everything in-house, which enables flexible products produced on demand for its customers globally.
At ICE/InPrint, Business & Technology Development Director Holly Steedman explains why IST is now named IST Intech - and of course, we get into why LED UV is getting more and more important. As she explains, LED UV is still new, so many opportunities are still unresolved, and IST seems to be working hard on delivering solutions.
Tri Tuladhar is researching and consulting on one of the most technical levels you can imagine - the elasticity of ink - based on the color, the amount of water, and how the ink resonates when jetted. Interesting, you bet, and Tri Tuladhar is one of the best to explain why it's important - enjoy!
At Inprint in Munich, we met Global Business Director Packaging Matt Brooks, who brought us up to speed on the new Agfa Speedset B1 printer expected for delivery in Q1, 2024. A machine that promises more than 10,000 B1 sheets an hour in high quality, perfect for micro flute and corrugated
In this interview, Jamie Walsh from Solimar Systems explains how using Solimar Systems will free up capacity on existing printing equipment, as the data will be more streamlined, freeing up space on the machines. Solimar has a great reputation for involving customers in its academies and is engaged with customers to secure success. Jamie Walsh handles EMEA. Enjoy!
Xeikon introduced the Sirius platform a while back, but at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023, the SX30000 was presented for the first time at a show. In this film, Market Segment Director Dimitri Van Gaever guides you into the platform why Xeikon has decided to offer a toner-based platform in times when competitors offer inkjet platforms. We also see a charming sample, maybe an answer in itself?
The diversity of people attending an event like Hunkeler Innovationdays is simply amazing. PSPs, Specialists, Media, and of course, dealers. In this interview, Chris Manley from Graphco in the US explains how great he finds his first Hunkeler Innovationdays. As with many other attendees, Chris Manley meets friends, customers, and new leads. Dig in!
In this Coffee Break session from Bronte's booth at Innovationdays, Francesco Crotti speaks with Jan Friedrich from Hunkeler. Friedrich explains how important Bronte is as a glue between the customer and the ability to produce books of one. Interesting views!
In this episode from Bronte, Francesco Crotti throws a very difficult yet interesting question to Ashley Gordon from HP. How is the publishing industry changing? Though you may not get all the answers in this Coffee Break from Innovationdays, you'll learn enough to get you thinking. Enjoy!
Kern is one of the main players when it comes to inserting & mailing systems. The Hunkeler feeders will match the company color and can be had in Swiss red, or was it Ferrari red? Not sure if it has to reflect the speeds they obtain, but they are the only ones allowed to have a different color for the Hunkeler equipment that they integrate into their inserting lines. Good talk with Daniel Wenger about how Kern meets their customers' automation requirements.
Editor Morten B. Reitoft and Yoshihiro Oe met for the first time at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2019 and have since got to know each other in meetings exchanging views on the cultural differences between Japan and Europe. In this interview, Yoshihiro Oe explains how understanding cultural differences (in general) helps Horizon develop binding equipment to understand the needs in the different markets. With high salaries in Europe and the lack of labor shortage, automation supports BOTH concerning labor shortages and reduces costs for the company's customers. A great interview - dig in! *We apologize for the technical errors in the sound :-(
What is KURZ Label Weeks about? Well, it all started with the cancellation of LabelExpo, which KURZ considers a very important trade show. Stéphane Royère explains in this interview the idea behind Kurz Label Weeks - and what the expectations are. Interesting to learn how vendors turn a cancellation into an opportunity, and of course, interesting to see the result of Label Weeks which last almost four months!
Jordi Giralt has a background in digital printing with both HP and Heidelberg, so when he joined KURZ being responsible for the digital embellishment products he had a lot of knowledge to draw on. In this interview, we get an understanding of the journey that Giralt now leads, but also a closer look at two of the three technologies KURZ offers. Enjoy!
Markus Hoffmann is the Senior Vice President of Industrial and Applications, and a member of the board with Leonhard Kurz. In this interview, Markus Hoffmann talks about the broader perspective of competition, business models, future investments, and what drives him in his leadership position. Good to learn from!
In this interview, Dr. Markus von Beyer explains how KURZ addresses the sustainability agenda - as well as how KURZ work on lowering the company's carbon footprint as well as how they assist customers in achieving higher sustainability through the development of new products. Super interesting to hear how a lower carbon footprint can go hand in hand with packaging that sells!
Counterfeiting is a much larger issue than most would believe. In this film, Steffen Scheibenstock explains how KURZ and print can support brand owners. See solutions printed directly on the package to complex and extremely interesting options. With Scribos' solutions, it's possible to monitor how products are being checked globally in real-time. Amazing!
MPrint is a member of the Leonhard Kurz family specializing in the production of mainly inkjet devices. In this film Sales Director Achim Herzog walks us through how they develop technology to be integrated with various types of equipment as well as being integrated with sister companies' hardware. In this film, you'll get a great insight into how MPrint thinks and what they offer. Interesting!
Good to see Mikael Wennerberg again - and for those who don't recognize his surname - you are right, Mikael got married and got a new surname. But we are here to talk about Konica-Minolta and their exhibition at Sign, Print & Promotion in Helsinki. At the show, they show the most recent top-of-the-line toner machine Konica-Minolta AccurioPress C14000, capable of respective 120 and 140 pages per minute depending on what configuration you choose. As Mikael Wennerberg works with Industrial Print I also get a chance to talk to him about the KM-1e. But listen for yourself! Enjoy!
Head of Marketing Kevin O'Donnell from Xerox came to the Sign, Print & Promotion show in Helsinki to support the successful Xerox business in Finland - or did he come to meet with INKISH? Well - we got a chance to spend a good time together and learned a lot of good things about Xerox, CMYK+, XMPie, and, of course, the amazing Xerox Iridesse Digital Printer! Enjoy!
At the Sign, Print & Promotion 22 event in Helsinki we get the chance to meet with CEO and Founder Ailar Arna, who represent Agfa and Kongsberg in Estonia and Finland. Estonia is a country with only 1.3 million people, so when Airlar Arna set his eyes on expansion Finland was the obvious choice - and so did Agfa and Kongsberg think. Hear more about how it is running a company across different cultures!
Docus is the biggest exhibitor at this year's Sign, Print & Promotion exhibition in Helsinki, Finland. In this interview, I get the chance to talk to Jari Kunnas who is one of the owners - and besides the interesting products from Ricoh and MultiCam, I was surprised to learn how Docus is bringing Samsung displays through their resellers to market to enable both print and e-signage. Great to see when companies embrace technology and use their knowledge, skills, and network to enable continuing growth!
Daniel Sugg of Robos Labels in Germany is a long-time DURST user. His interest in the Expo was to learn directly from the DURST technicians about the new ink heads, color fidelity, and speed. Robos concentrates on the industrial label market and those features and capabilities are critical.
Frederik Parrein found great value in the DURST Expo because the access to the technical people allowed for one-on-one communication. He felt this is not possible at a larger show where there are thousands of attendees. Frederik also was pleased that the selected vendors were label market experts.
Christoph Gamper’s enthusiasm for producing the DURST EXPO 2022 Label event is evident in this brief interview. He describes the joy of speaking face-to-face with customers, watching the DURST technical experts go over both machines and technology one-on-one. Christoph ponders the future of trade shows and a bit of his vision for the future of print.
INKISH loves to hear about opinions and strategies from industry leaders. In this too short interview with Benoit Chatelard, President of Flint group Digital & Xeikon CEO we get to hear about the importance and relevance of the different printing technologies they bring to the market and why they are doing a show like Xeikon Café. A great interview in an open spirit and I feel confident that we will have more interesting stories and initiatives from XEIKON to report on in the future! Enjoy!
A state-of-the-art Workflow and easy integration with multiple partners as part of the print value chain are key to conquering the Print industry 4.0 arena. INKISH gets the unfiltered answers to very important building blocks in the strategy Xeikon is betting on. Our own Jacques Michiels conducts this really interesting talk with Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management of Xeikon.
Interview with Tom Allum, Owner &Chairman of Abbey Labels (UK). Abbey Labels have been working in the digital label printing business for more than 10 years and are an important user of Xeikon digital equipment. Tom among other things explains the great importance of seamless color matching between flexo printing technology and Xeikon’s Digital Dry toner technology and why it is of the utmost importance when dealing with brand owners and food packaging in particular. Abbey Labels as an important player in the label business is constantly looking to improve and invest in the best and most suitable innovations to go forward. Tom shares some of their plans for the near future. SO important to hear about how technology and the right choice of solutions can drive one's success.
Gerald Glaas talks to us about innovation in the development, design, and manufacturing of rotary tools, modules, and specialty machines widely used in film, foil, packaging, nonwovens, and paper converting industries.
Nick Khatri from Lake Image Systems is a world leader in variable data integrity and print quality inspection for the security, labels, packaging, and commercial print industries. By reading and processing the variable data on many printed items, they provide solutions to inspect, verify, track and report on billions of secure documents, labels, plastic cards, and packages daily.
Rob Mayerson, on a quest to conquer more of Europe’s fine Label and Packaging PSPs. We learn about Label Traxx an MIS designed specifically for the Labels and Flexible Packaging sectors. Label Traxx and Batched also demonstrate their automated planning and scheduling extension. This powerful tool features a blend of artificial intelligence and machine learning with human engagement. Siteline, Label Traxx’s Customer Engagement Module, offers new features to further simplify the product management and reordering processes. It now includes a simple yet advanced artwork approvals process to help get jobs on press faster.
Jacques Michiels in conversation with Konstantinos Spyropoulos finding out about the expansion strategies they have in mind for Overprint MIS. Bel develops and delivers Overprint, an end-to-end modular print MIS, featuring open architecture, seamless connectivity, product customization, and user-intuitive workflow.
Jacques Michiels in conversation with Rainer Simon, General Manager Meech Int. Getting the grips on web cleaning to be able to prepare for quality print runs. Meech International is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of static control, compressed air technology, and web cleaning systems, both contact and non-contact. Meech has specialized in industrial electrostatic control for over 50 years and pioneered the industrial use of pulsed DC technology for static control and now has thousands of systems installed in the plastics, converting, printing, and packaging industries.
Phil Gaskin gets into the key features of the XMPie software. They provide powerful, variable data printing and web-to-print software that brings together customer databases and creative content. Working on top of Adobe creative suite, they help printers and businesses leverage their customer data and create personalized omnichannel experiences across print and digital channels.
In this Conversations, VP Portfolio Product Management, Nick Benkovich, shares his views and insights on how eProductivity Software plays an immense role in the future of - well - essentially all software needed in the graphics arts industry. You will ALSO get to know more about Nick Benkovich as a human being - and what drives him as a leader in our industry—interviewed by INKISH Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft in a very open-minded conversation. Enjoy!
Marc Olin was welcomed back by friends and colleagues at eProductivity/EFI Connect 2022 in his new capacity as Executive Chairman of the board in the spin-off company eProductivity Software. It was great for INKISH to have a chance to sit down and understand more about who Marc Olin is and his view of the new setup.
Toby Weiss is the COO of the Fiery Digital Front End for EFI. In this CONVERSATION, Toby tells about his work life balance, the challenges presented by the (not so) great pandemic and his vision for what Fiery means to to the print world as the transition to digital accelerates. With a background in high technology that had little to do with print, he has become a thought leader in moving Fiery forward to the places print needs to go. His sense of humor and keen insights make this an enjoyable journey to what makes EFI a key player in the industry.
DJ Buell has attended eProductivity Software/EFI Connect for seven years. In this film, he, among other exciting things, shares how satisfying it is to see ideas being discussed at CONNECT being implemented. DJ Buell works as IT Director at Primary Packaging, specializing in "heavy-duty" plastic bags.
Marco Boer is a recognized analyst, speaker, and person we always welcome on INKISH for his great insight. At this year's eProductivity Software/EFI Connect 2022, Marco Boer spoke with EFI CEO Jeff Jacobson about trends, and we got the opportunity to continue the chat on camera. Enjoy.
Sandy Alexander has its roots in the printing industry but is a communications service provider today. In this interview, Henry Wagner and Aaron Gerlich talk about the importance of the eProductivity software. Interesting views also on change, we are sure you will like it.
The MarketDirect Storefront (MDSF) is described by channel sales manager Joe Fedor. Boasting a flexible UX and simple integration with any of the eProductivity workflow and management solutions, MDSF is scalable e-commerce for small to medium size print service providers as well as enterprise web-to-print customer integration. It is also API enabled for integration with third party MIS systems.
Managing Director Lucy Swanston from Nutshell Creative Marketing in the UK has used Market Direct for nine years and sees the solution as a competitive advantage for her customers and her company. Listen to her in this interview we did at the eProductivity Software/EFI Connect 2022.
IT Director Shawn Theesfeld from OneTouchPoint says that meeting product managers and piers are valuable for his company. In the interview with Robert Godwin, Shawn Theesfeld says he found inspiration in a break-out session where he learned about eProductivity Monarch's APIs.
COO Courtney Sumners of Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions speaks with Robert Godwin about how her company utilizes a range of eProductivity Software solutions in their offerings to their customers. Enjoy!
We are at SuperCORRExpo and meeting up with Jens Christian Christiansen, the CEO of BCM Transtech. At the show, BCM presented a new storage solution helping customers handle rotary dies and printing sleeves/plates in a super automated setup. The company has 25 years of experience and is a leader in its field - and a story on its own based on recognition from a FEFCO award in 1999. For now, enjoy the story from SuperCORRExpo.
BHS is among the largest companies in the corrugating business, and it’s always interesting to get the latest info—and we got the chance to talk to Nils Gottfried. We got the chance, despite being interrupted at the end of the interview, to hear about the jetliner, mono-version, strategy, why printing on the pre-corrugated liners, and why a monochrome version. Enjoy!
Fujifilm's PR company also visited the Peak Performance Print Experience event, AD Communication - represented by Tom Platt. But what does a PR company do? And can a communications specialist also be passionate about technology? Well, listen to what Tom Platt has to say! LinkedIn Profile.
At Dscoop Edge Rockies Bob Raus from HP celebrated his birthday by talking to Editor Morten B. Reitoft - or more likely it just happened to be so :-) However, Bob Raus is responsible for the software before and after the printer, including the partnerships with other developers and solutions providers. Really great talking to him. Enjoy!
Two great keynote speakers from Dscoop in a leadership round table conversation with Dscoop's Chris Hyde. David Burkus, a successful author and considered as one of the world's leading business thinkers, helps answer the 'one' question Chris Hyde asks Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, and has more than 1,000 people on a waiting list to get a job at The Savannah Bananas - "How do you think somebody in our industry can get to where you are?" The conversation is great, open-minded, full of insight and inspiration. You will love this!
Arctic Paper