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!

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 :-)

I must admit that I have given up counting how many 'Over the Skype' interviews I have done since the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world - BUT - I love each and every interview I have done. In this 'Over the Skype,' I am talking to Robert Godwin - an American who now lives in Chile. I was curious about one of his businesses, Rent-a-press.com, but I believe it was almost the only thing we didn't talk about in this 48 minutes long conversation. Robert Godwin has such great storytelling skills and knowledge that I am sure you will love every second.

In the morning when I first start, I work with two monitors. And I don't want to stare at the monitor all day. So I've set it up with a window background, which no one recommends. But it gives me a chance to take a look at the view. You know the activity as the morning rises - because I start very early. Look at all the emails, different newsletters, especially INKISH. No kidding. And that's what I do. That is how I start my day. The pandemic has allowed me to take deeper contact with a lot of people. Because they have more time to spend in communication on the computer than they would have ever had before. Absent a formal webinar circumstance where people are generally stiffer. There's a lot more interaction of conversational type of communication that takes place. You learn more about the person when you do that. So that's one benefit of the pandemic. I hope the communication doesn't go away. Books are extremely important. This is merely a small amount of the books that I have. It's well over two thousand. And that's been shaved down when I moved down to Chile. A lot of them are reference books that I have. That I use on a constant basis. I'll think of something and I want to verify it. But I like the books. And if you can read any of the titles that are in the background. There's a lot of art books. I think that books have an interactivity that is important. So I think printing industry and its relationship to books is really important. I have a wall that I look at. Prominent on the wall is a portrait of Pablo Picasso and Henry Moores. These are important to me as inspiration. As people who, with their own path, spoke their own minds and did creative things. I think of myself in business as being a creative person. In the upper left hand corner there's a sketch of my mother when she was young. And a sketch of my father when he was old. He loved sailing and he is there working on the chart. And he would always dress up whatever character he was playing. As a photographer, as a sailor, as a businessman. And I don't have his fashion skills. But I appreciate the photos that he's created. And I love that portrait of him.

Amazing to see how Inkjet keeps evolving. Robert Ellis is the President, owner, and founder - and, we bet, also very involved in developing unique Inkjet solutions. At PRINTING United, we saw one of his machines with a small footprint delivered high-speed inkjet in a duplex, but even more important, with just one print-head configuration enabling the machine to turn and print the paper inside a tiny space. Solid hardware, own developed software, and a vast range of options for customers to choose technologies for the type of applications required.

Luke Camozzi and Morten B. Reitoft had the pleasure of filming with Van Grasdorff in Belgium. While we were there, Robbert Amse from the local distributor of Koenig & Bauer, Wifac, arrived - and, of course, that allowed us to discuss the industry in the Benelux. As always, it was great to learn from people who know the market. Enjoy!

Wayne from Inkish met with Rob Thurston from Print IQ at The Print Show in Birmingham, where the discussion centered around automation, integration, and the growing demand for seamless end-to-end workflows across print operations. Print IQ has exhibited at the event for several consecutive years, and Rob explained that their presence reflects the importance of the UK market and the success they’ve had partnering with other technology providers — this year sharing the stand with Infigo. Rob described the partnership as a perfect fit, bringing together Infigo’s powerful web-to-print capabilities and Print IQ’s MIS-driven production intelligence. The integration connects the two platforms through a robust API, allowing live pricing, job creation, and full workflow automation. When a customer places an order online via Infigo, the system calls Print IQ for real-time pricing, pushes job specifications and artwork files into production, and automatically creates a job ticket. From there, everything is tracked through to dispatch — meaning users can see live updates without manual intervention. For printers wanting deeper automation, Rob noted that Print IQ can integrate further with Enfocus Switch, creating a straight-through workflow where files are pre-flighted, imposed, and scheduled with minimal operator input. Once in production, the system uses lean manufacturing logic to select the most cost-effective device for each job — for example, automatically routing longer runs to offset and shorter ones to digital presses. Although Print IQ doesn’t currently balance identical presses automatically, it intelligently allocates jobs to available machines and provides full visibility across capacity planning and production boards. The system’s scheduling tools also allow users to identify bottlenecks and optimize throughput, while integrated dispatch features can handle automated courier bookings and label generation. Rob added that Print IQ is working on expanding machine data connectivity for more precise reporting, noting that while some integrations currently require middleware, live performance feedback from press to MIS is a key focus for the roadmap. He emphasized that automation isn’t just about saving time — it’s about empowering customers with real-time access to information. Through Infigo’s front end, clients can check job status, shipping details, and progress updates, reducing the need for phone calls and manual status requests. As Rob summed up, integration is the word on everyone’s lips, and Print IQ’s partnership with Infigo delivers a true end-to-end workflow — from online ordering through production, finishing, and fulfillment — giving printers a scalable platform to grow efficiently in a highly competitive market.

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.

Pat McGrew speaks with Rob Matthews of Matthews Mobile Media, who has just seen HP unveil the new Latex FS70W. As a loyal HP user for a decade, he always wants to see what the company is developing next. His business focuses on vehicle graphics—about half of total output—as well as wallcoverings, which is where he sees the FS70W offering real value. What stands out most to him is the machine’s wide format, strong color performance, and especially its ability to print on two rolls simultaneously—something his current HP R2000 can’t do. That capability alone could meaningfully expand his shop's production capacity.

New wider and faster Truepress generation and a promise to keep supporting customers with high-quality print without needing treated paper. Rob Kruithof Kremer is very engaged, and we are sure you will love this one :-)

At Innovationdays, Rob Kruithof Kremer and Editor Morten B. Reitoft get to talk about the new 520 NX AD - a super fast 225 meter-per-minute roll-based inkjet printer. Aimed for the Book and transactional market. Enjoy!

Rob Ens is today a consultant, primarily in Canada and a few other countries, and he has been a tremendous help in getting more viewers and the attention of the Canadian industry. At Graphics Canada, Rob tells us more about his background, from working with Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, and now also with Graphics Wizard. But listen for yourself - great interview.

Rob Bosman is the Sales Director at Contiweb, and it's always nice meeting Rob. At Heidelberg's anniversary, Contiweb shows the same solution as INKISH filmed with Seaway Printing a few months back, namely the Contiweb autosplicer. The machine enables continuous print product, and though we would have thought this to be particularly good for long runs, Bosman explains how great the Contiweb solution is for both analog and digital printing.

Contiweb produces what Rob Bosman refers to as auxiliary equipment - a term that very well describes that the solutions they deliver depend on other technology in the market. We got to talk about moisturizers, unwinders, driers and auto-splicers - all technology we need - and listening to Rob Bosman, Contiweb for sure have some quite interesting solutions. Dig in and enjoy!

At the recent Think Smart Factory event in Kyoto, Japan, we got the chance to talk to General Manager, Global Business, Yoshihiro Oe. In this film, we talk about the event itself obviously, but we also get the chance to talk about what has led to automation. As Yoshihiro Oe explains developing many different machines is one thing, but tomorrows demand for automation, and smarter factories require the development of new technology. After seeing and experiencing both the Horizon factory as well as the Think Smart Factory event, we at INKISH are pretty convinced that Horizon and their partners are onto something that will be a gamechanger in the binding industry. Enjoy the film - and the many that will follow in the following days!

Rita Estevinha Silva is a 21-years young woman living in Portugal. She is studying design and has been an intern in a printing company in a small town for the past nine months. Rita Estevinha Silva sees herself and other 21-years in the role of 'constructing' the future. Now Rita Estevinha Silva is a voice here on INKISH. Rita Estevinha Silva won the Young Talents Award a couple of weeks ago - and the win came as a surprise. In this INKISH episode, you can learn more - not only about the winning but an actual Gen-Z talking. Editor Morten B. Reitoft will do a follow-up article as so many people talk about Millenials and Gen-Z. Still, nobody listens or gives the younger generations media space when the opportunity is there. The Young Talents Award attracted numerous people, but unfortunately, for the great idea, Intergraf has no audience; nobody enters into the necessary dialog. You can read more about (and be careful not to wear shoes, as this is a toe-wrecking example of bad campaign and communication) at . LinkedIn Profile Rita Estevinha Silva: Link to report:

Whenever you see a RISO Inkjet printer, you can see how fast it is. Pat McGrew explains in this Print Sample TV episode that she is also pretty satisfied with the result, but even more with the machine's options. Imagine a workflow where envelope and content with variable data are delivered finished and ready to be sent. We LIKE it.

PRINTING United must have been a good show for RISO. At the show they presented the new RISO Valezus - to understand what the name actually stands for, you'll have to watch the film. However, we can reveal that Valezus is a 320 pages per minute full-colour inkjet printer. At the show, RISO sold quite a few machines and seemed very satisfied with everything. RISO is a Japanese vendor and has for many years been a leader in cut-sheet inkjet print - you can argue that inkjet is part of RISO's DNA. Enjoy the interview with André D'Urbano.

RISO might be a new name to some, as it was for me. They are an established name, mainly when people are looking for productive printing in the transactional space of our industry. Their HQ is based in Lyon, France, and Franz Castel brings us up to speed on why one should not forget to look into their Inkjet offerings. Always good to learn and connect with different players in the field.

RISO, la société japonaise, développe depuis de nombreuses années certaines des imprimantes à jet d'encre les plus rapides du secteur. Leur technologie utilise une technique d’impression jet d’encre qui permet d’imprimer jusqu’à 330 pages en couleur par minute. En mettant l'accent sur la rapidité, mais aussi sur l'agenda écologique, la technologie d'encre qu'ils proposent est essentielle.

Pat McGrew shared once again three beautiful print samples, made on Ricoh and Scodix, another piece bound on Meccanotecnica binding equipment, and finally a business card printed on the Xerox Iridesse.

In an engaging conversation with Morten Reitoft from INKISH, Sander Sondaal from Ricoh discussed the latest trends and developments in the printing industry, particularly focusing on the shift towards digital and inkjet printing solutions. Sander Sondaal highlighted Ricoh's journey since acquiring IBM's printing division in the early 2000s and its continuous innovation in printing technologies. A key topic was the shift in market dynamics from traditional offset to digital printing, driven by the need for high-quality, high-productivity solutions. Sander Sondaal also emphasized Ricoh's focus on continuous-fed inkjet solutions aimed at high-productivity sectors. He touched on the challenges of the analog or offset printing market and how digital printing offers a viable alternative. Ricoh's strategy includes providing solutions that cover various market needs, from high-end continuous-feed inkjet printers for long runs to toner printers for ultra-short runs. The conversation also covered the advancements in inkjet technology, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial print applications. Sondaal mentioned the importance of flexibility in printing solutions, catering to different market segments and customer needs. The recent developments in Ricoh's portfolio, including the Z75 and the new inkjet solutions, demonstrate their commitment to innovation. Sondaal further delved into the operational aspects of transitioning from traditional printing methods to modern digital solutions, outlining how Ricoh's technologies are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a wider range of printing businesses. He concluded by discussing the competitive landscape of the printing industry and Ricoh's position in it, emphasizing collaboration and innovation as key drivers for future growth. This interview underscores the dynamic nature of the printing industry and Ricoh's adaptive strategies to meet evolving market demands, focusing on quality, productivity, and innovation. RICOH is one of the leading inkjet companies in the graphic arts segment. In this talk with Director Commercial Sales, Sander Sondaal, and Editor Morten B. Reitoft, they talk about the market, toner print, obviously the Z75, and the new continuous fed inkjet printer Pro VC80000. In a market that continues to develop and where inkjet becomes more and more choice for many PSPs, the new Pro VC80000 delivers 150 meters per minute, equal to about 10,000 B2 sheets (4+4) per hour, and on substrates up to 300gsm, and with precession and easy better than previous models. A super nice and intense conversation that hopefully gives you many answers to the newest member of the RICOH family - enjoy!

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 :-)