At Printing United Expo in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets Michael Deflorian from Durst Software & Solutions for an in-depth discussion about Durst’s growing software division and how it’s moving beyond the company’s own hardware ecosystem to serve the entire print industry. “We’ve been busy today,” Morten begins. “When we spoke with the Durst people earlier, we realized we made a mistake — your software isn’t actually on the main Durst booth, it’s here, in your own space. Michael, good to see you.” “Good to see you too,” Michael smiles. “Yes, this is the first time we’ve presented Durst Software & Solutions with a dedicated booth at a major trade show — and it’s been great. The traffic’s been strong, we’ve already exceeded our targets for leads and sales, and our location helps — when people walk into the hall, they bump straight into us.” Michael explains that Durst’s software journey began in 2018. “We started with our pixel-to-output strategy, building an ecosystem around Durst printers. Now, seven years later, we’re showing that same technology to the entire industry,” he says. “We have two main messages here. First is the Open Software Initiative — we’re making our market-proven technology available to everyone, not just Durst customers. Second, with the acquisition of Callas, we’ve strengthened our core PDF technology and can now provide that to other OEMs as well.” Morten notes that the booth even includes an HP printer, something unthinkable a year ago. Michael laughs. “That’s right. Our customers often use mixed environments — Durst, HP, others — and our Durst Workflow software already supports those devices. We’ve learned how to handle non-Durst printers efficiently, so it’s time to show the market that we’re open, not exclusive. We’re stepping outside the Durst universe.” Durst’s software division is also expanding through partnerships and acquisitions. “With Callas, we’ve added core PDF manipulation capabilities,” Michael says. “That lets us provide OEM-level technology and build accessible channel products like Durst Workflow and Durst SmartShop for printers of all sizes.” Morten teases, “So, is this openness just a marketing move? Durst software has always been relatively open.” Michael nods. “That’s true — technically, our solutions were always open, but they were perceived as being exclusive to Durst printers. We didn’t have the right channel products or positioning before. Now we do. It’s partly repositioning, yes, but we’ve also created products that are easier to access and integrate. And with Callas, we’re thinking more about leveraging technology, not just selling software licenses. The puzzle pieces are finally coming together.” Morten points out that Durst’s collaborative mindset — working with partners like Koenig & Bauer and OMED — makes this expansion feel natural. Michael agrees. “Durst’s philosophy has always been about making customers more efficient. It started with high-performance printing — feeding the printer, removing bottlenecks, automating workflows. Now we’re extending that knowledge to the wider market. Everyone, regardless of company size, faces the same challenges: automation, workflow complexity, and a shortage of skilled operators. Our solutions address exactly those issues.” Morten observes that it’s remarkable to see Durst — traditionally a hardware company — become a major software player in just a few years. Michael smiles. “That was always the strategy, but you never know if it will work until it does. Today, we’re in a unique position. We’re the only wide-format company that truly offers a complete ecosystem — hardware, software, automation, and workflow. Customers can have an end-to-end solution from a single source or integrate our components with their own systems. That flexibility is what’s driving interest.” As for the show itself? “It’s been fantastic,” Michael says. “It’s our first time with a dedicated software booth, so we didn’t know what to expect. But by the end of the first day, we had already surpassed our lead target by 30%. The feedback has been excellent — people understand that Durst Software & Solutions is here for the entire industry.” Morten concludes with a smile. “Fantastic, Michael. We’ll be following your developments closely.” “Thank you,” Michael says. “It’s an exciting time — and this is just the beginning.”

Michael describes the DURST suite of software applications that can create an ecosystem of total efficiency. Save costs, reduce waste, minimize manual process are all possible results. He explains how the professional services team makes sure the shop employees are properly trained on properly implemented solutions.

Though Durst software, of course, integrates into a third-party solution, it seems that Durst offers pretty much everything you need - so one of my questions to Michael Deflorian is whether he and his colleagues experience more users using Durst software when they get to know the solution? Only one of many exciting topics in this episode on INKISH - please dig in :-)

FESPA er en verdensomspændende organisation, som havde sit udgangspunkt for mange år siden blandt skiltemalere. Efterhånden som teknologien inden for folier og digital-storformat print er blevet udviklet, bruger de fleste skiltevirksomheder teknologier, som folier, wide-format printere, plottere m.v. FESPA har bl.a. fået succes fordi mange af deres lokale organisationer er blevet en del af de arbejdsgiverorganisationer, som f.eks. Grakom i Danmark og andre lignende organisationer i andre lande. I dette interview taler redaktør Morten Reitoft med branchechef Michael Brochmann om markedet, potentialerne og hvorfor FESPA Danmark udstiller på Herning Motorshow.

Danish MIS/ERP supplier PrintVis presented its products at the Drupa DNA Hall 7, and as always, Michael Bradley from PrintVis USA was ready to share his great insights with Mark Vruno.

Hinderer + Mühlich is a company in the KURZ group that specialized in the tools/dies/forms needed for hot foil stamping. With more than 150 employees the company operates in numerous countries - and from the samples shown at the Label Weeks at KURZ the company amazingly uses CNC and Laser to achieve great effects. In this interview, editor Morten B. Reitoft (again) talks with Michael Beschorner about the market, and the opportunities - hope you enjoy it!

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!  

This is a live recorded episode with Senior Consultant Michael Bach Nielsen from Medit Consult (in Danish) - will soon be subtitled. Michael Bach Nielsen is a very experienced business specialist - talking about business development at Visutech Academy.

Michael Aumann is the Global Director of Digital Embellishment for Kurz, and in this interview, we get a chance to talk to him about the innovations Kurz delivers to the market but also how they use 3D presentation models to show the technology - but listen and learn :-)

Michael Aumann of KURZ talks about the company's new DM-UNILINER 3D and developments in digital embellishment technology.

Editor Morten Reitoft in a conversation with Michael Aumann. Why should a PSP or Converter buy technology from Kurz? Leading the discussion with this question can, of course, only be interesting - so dig in :-)

Imagine a digital printing machine that gives you fantastic print quality. Combine this with renowned digital enhance-quality, add digital hot-foil, and voila - here is the new MGI AlphaJet. AlphaJet has been under development for eight years, and development-cost a double-digit euro-amount, and here it suddenly is. INKISH was invited to an exclusive preview of the AlphaJet - and in this film, we will show you some of the new technologies introduced. According to Victor Abergel, the AlphaJet has cracked the code to provide water-based inkjet on a wider range of substrates than most others. The paper is printed flat on a new transportation technology developed and patented by MGI. To keep the substrate stable during the entire process, printing takes place on top of 8 tons of granite. The machine is huge, and so is the interest. MGI AlphaJet uses Memjet print heads, and for Memjet, this is the first time the company's technology is utilized in a machine this size. But watch, rather than read - we are certain that you will like what you see!

At Printing United in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH speaks with Merrill Moisha Clark from Xerox about the company’s re-entry into the inkjet production print market and the introduction of the new 900 series. Clark, who brings both technical and commercial expertise, explains that the 900 series marks an important milestone for Xerox as it expands its portfolio to include a new generation of compact, efficient inkjet systems designed for everyday production environments. The model shown at the event represents Xerox’s renewed commitment to innovation, versatility, and sustainability in production printing. Clark explains that while the 900 series is developed in collaboration with Kyocera, Xerox differentiates its version through its powerful software ecosystem, workflow automation, and color science. The system is fully integrated with Xerox’s FreeFlow Core and Vision Connect platforms, allowing customers to benefit from Xerox’s deep experience in color management, profiling, and automation. This ensures accurate, vibrant color reproduction and a simplified workflow that reduces manual intervention and increases uptime. The new platform also gives Xerox sales teams access to a market segment between transactional and high-end color printing, providing an ideal solution for high-volume jobs such as letters, invoices, and statements. Energy efficiency and simplicity are key design features of the 900 series. Clark points out that the press operates entirely on standard 110-volt outlets, requiring no HVAC systems or external exhausts, and that its dryer operates at a modest 90 degrees. The machine performs effectively across a wide range of conditions — from 15% to 80% relative humidity and 50° to 90°F — while maintaining consistent print quality and low energy consumption. This makes it accessible to a broader range of print shops, including those looking for an inkjet solution without major infrastructure upgrades. Clark also discusses how the 900 series fits seamlessly into Xerox’s broader production ecosystem. It complements existing toner-based systems, such as Primelink, Irides, and Baltoro, enabling hybrid workflows where customers can combine inkjet and toner technologies based on their application needs. This flexibility allows Xerox users to handle everything from short-run booklets to high-volume commercial jobs with consistent quality and efficiency. Throughout the discussion, Clark emphasizes collaboration — both internally at Xerox and with customers and partners. She notes that understanding the customer’s shop floor, workflow, and challenges is essential to delivering meaningful solutions rather than one-size-fits-all products. The interview concludes with Morten B. Reitoft praising Merrill Moisha Clark’s passion and drive, which clearly reflect Xerox’s revitalized spirit and commitment to advancing production print technology.

In this Holiday Special, we talk to Sean Cavanagh, Author and Managing Director of First Servant Capital Corporation - an M&A specialist company. In this almost hour-long conversation, we talk about the process, the valuation, expectations, and how you can maximize your selling price. Sean Cavanagh is a great inspiration. He has been part of numerous acquisitions in the printing industry. With a father who used to be a printer, Sean Cavanagh knows everything worth knowing about M&As but also understands the printing industry. Enjoy this session! GET the book YBAWS that Sean Refers to here: https://www.amazon.com/YBAWS-Think-Company-Valuable-Worth-ebook/dp/B01KRDH6GU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=sean+cavanagh&qid=1608894555&sr=8-5

With more than a billion dollars in M&As, Kenneth Stack knows his business - and again, we have been so fortunate to find an M&A specialist that has deep roots in the printing industry as well. Kenneth Stack has worked with Kodak, and more recently President for Jetrion, which he sold to EFI - and continued working for EFI. Since 2011 Kenneth Stack has operated his own "small boutique," focusing on M&As for both buyers and sellers. This session gives you a GREAT insight into strategic acquisitions. GREAT session. I hope you enjoy watching as much as Ken and I enjoyed doing this!

At the recent LabelExpo Europe 2019, we got a chance to talk to General Manager Kim Beswick from Memjet about their new product launch - Duraflex. Memjet is a developer of core-technology that is licensed to a long range of partners, producing the finale machines. The list of partners is long and include names in almost every segment of the value chain from office print to large format, industrial print. Memjet practically invented waterfall technology where the colours are falling from the mounted print heads rather than moving the print head forth and back. This enables really fast print, and when you see a Memjet enabled machine for the first time, you can't do anything but say WHAU. With the launch of the new Duraflex print head, Memjet offers a third-generation inkjet engine where speed, quality, and price are the main KPI's. Watch, Like, and Share as usual.

Meccanotecnica is a family-owned company located in Bergamo, about 40-50 minutes east of Milan. A beautiful landscape, the best food in the world, and then - in the middle of Bergamo, you find Meccanotecnica, where we meet with Stefano Formentini. We, of course, meet because of Drupa, but maybe more importantly because Mecannotecnica, known for its fantastic machines for sewn books - both offset and digital, is now introducing its first perfect binding machine - and what an entry. We go through the machine in this walkthrough so you can hear and see what makes this setup fantastic. Enjoy!

In this series of Coffee Breaks from Italian book-of-one software developer Bronte, Pat McGrew talks about the importance of workflow automation. Enjoy!

Folding solutions for the sheetfed offset, commercial print market, has been the core business model at MBO for over 50 years. 14 years ago MBO added additional modules to their portfolio allowing them to offer world class roll fed Inkjet print finishing solutions to the changing commercial print market. The same great folders and direct mail modules that serve the commercial print market, can be directly fed from a sheeted roll. In the recent years MBO has found great success in the high end commercial print, marketing asset, book and mailing segments. Our specialty is being able to build folding and finishing systems that provide one-step total finishing. Join us to learn of our most successful system configurations, along with the newest modules capable of embellishing the web prior to final folding and cutting.

INKISH hosted for the first time ever our NON-EVENT. The Non-event is celebrating the people that have been in front of the camera, or been supporting INKISH during the past years. This is a new recurring event, and the idea is to give space for the people we have featured to connect in a new way. We invited 150 people, and 32 decided to join us. Our guests came from Japan, Canada, USA, UK, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark - and we are confident that next year, even more, will come. We asked most of our participants to talk LIVE during the dinner - and here is Maya Staels from Belgium. Maya Staels has worked with PR for many years, and both with established PR-companies, leading to developing her own PR-company. Among the customers from the printing industry, you find Kornit, Memjet, and CHILI publish. Enjoy!

Direct mail is the third largest media channel in the UK after TV and digital, worth an estimated £1.7bn annually. COVID has seen a great resurgence in brands turning to mail as a trusted way to communicate with clients whilst the majority of people are working from home. But COVID aside, why in this day and age should you still use direct mail as part of your marketing mix and how can you use print to communicate successfully? Join us for an interactive and fun session hosted by The Dragonfly Agency’s Managing Director, Isla Munro who will talk us through the agency process from receiving the original client brief to delivering an engaging mailpack through the letterbox. She will shine a focus on print technologies and opportunities which help to acquire and retain clients.

At Printing United 2025 in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets Max Allen from Graphic Whizard, the Canadian finishing equipment manufacturer known for its compact, innovative solutions tailored to digital and short-run print environments. Morten notes that Graphic Whizard has carved out a distinctive position in the market: “Everything here is a little more compact,” he says, “but it seems you’ve found a niche where you’re very successful.” Max introduces the DF0906MT digital die cutter, one of four models in the company’s range. “What we’re really doing,” Max explains, “is bringing digital production into digital finishing. Instead of building expensive metal dies for every new job, you just load a PDF, and the system’s ready to go. There’s no tooling cost and no setup time.” The DF0906MT handles short-run packaging, labels, and stickers, and can run both sheets and rolls. “Traditionally, you needed an experienced bindery operator for this type of work,” Max says, “but those employees are aging out. Now, a single operator can handle digital finishing with minimal training. The machine does the hard part.” All the sample pieces displayed in the booth — from foam-core signs to packaging prototypes — were produced on the same machine. “We even install these in smaller spaces,” Max says with a smile. “We’ve put them in church basements. They’re ideal for in-plant environments, universities, franchise print shops — anywhere you need fast, flexible finishing.” Beyond production, Max highlights another strength: prototyping. “Packaging sells products, but prototypes sell packaging,” he says. “Larger companies use this machine to produce prototypes before going into full-scale runs. It’s small enough for short runs but powerful enough for professional output.” The DF0906MT can kiss-cut, through-cut, score, and perforate up to 24-point stock, and even handle materials up to six millimeters thick. It supports more than 100 tool options, though, as Max explains, “Most users stick with the standard configuration because it does almost everything they need.” Morten then points to a larger model with “a little more bling.” Max laughs and explains that it’s the heavy-duty version, designed for harder materials like acrylic, aluminum, MDF, and wood. “It’s a natural evolution,” he says. “Customers love the smaller digital die cutters, and when they’re ready to expand into signage or more industrial materials, this is the next step.” Max emphasizes that the workflow and tooling remain consistent across models. “That’s a big advantage,” he says. “A commercial printer doing both digital and wide-format can handle everything on one platform. It saves space, time, and investment.” As the conversation wraps up, Morten laughs: “It must be fun selling this stuff.” Max grins. “It absolutely is. When customers realize what they can do with these machines — how much flexibility and creativity they gain — it’s an easy conversation.” Morten concludes, “Compact, clever, and clearly built for the digital printer — Graphic Whizard’s solutions prove that smaller can definitely mean smarter.”

In times when virtual, hybrid, and online have become important topics in our industry, printing-expo.online grows with more 'halls,' 'exhibition space,' and exhibitors. In this film, Wayne Beckett from printing-expo.online and editor Morten B. Reitoft talk about the platform's background and how Wayne Beckett sees themselves in the marketing mix. Printing-Expo.online was planned before the pandemic but landed at a time when online was the only option. Wayne Beckett also comments on how their platform has become an asset used at the physical tradeshows! Enjoy!

Matthieu Delessard has a story to tell. It is about what can happen when you automate and optimize your print processes from end to end. The Smart Factory is one software ecosystem that enables printers, OEMs, and resellers to bring a variety of solutions together to maximize efficiency from order entry to delivery.