Some questions about printing on demand

First, the meaning of on-demand printing and its status

The meaning of on-demand printing (POD) is the customer's requirement for the quantity and production cycle of the product. The on-demand printing business is mainly accomplished with digital printers. With the continuous development of digital technology, in China, the color printing capacity of the medium-to-long-term version is also decreasing, while the short-run on-demand business under the 1,000-print is increasing.

Second, on-demand printing of the main equipment

The main equipment for on-demand printing is the digital press. Now the main digital printers are the following: Kodak 8670PS, Xeikon DCP/50D Digital Press, Heidelberg Speedmaster DI 74, IBM Infoprint Color100, Indigo E-Print1000+, Karat, etc. .

Third, on-demand printing and traditional printing

Compared with traditional printing methods, on-demand printing has the following characteristics:

1. On-Demand/Variable Printing means that the quantity can be changed as needed, each page being variable in content.

2. Remote printing and proofing can be used for offsite printing and proofing via the Internet.

3. Achieve filmless direct platemaking technology.

4 waterless offset printing, no need to consider the ink balance, the environment temperature and humidity is easy to control, printing quality is good.

5. Electronic files are easy to save and can be used multiple times.

Fourth, on-demand printing market and its prospects in China

It can be predicted that on-demand printing will continue to develop rapidly in the coming years. At present, the on-demand printing market can be seen in three major areas, namely, the e-commerce market, product personalization services, and services for trading companies.

V. Market situation of on-demand printing abroad

When digital color printers appeared in 1994, their main objective was to replace the position of traditional offset presses in the short live market. However, due to the high cost of the products produced by this technology, there was no competitiveness in the short live market. Investors then proposed a personalized, on-demand printing model with variable content and started to take advantage of high-value-added market segments such as trademarks and packaging. The era of digital print on demand can be said to be coming.

Sixth, barriers to print on demand in China

The promotion of on-demand printing in China sums up the following issues that need to be addressed: system selection, personnel training, technical support, consumables supply, color management and quality control.

Seven, choose and create on-demand printing system

To create a flexible on-demand printing system, we must first conduct a complete analysis based on the needs of the local customer base and the buyer's financial resources. Without a comprehensive and complete analysis, buyers cannot fully evaluate and purchase on-demand printing systems.

Eight, on-demand printing quality control and color management

On-demand printing equipment is mainly digital printing equipment. Compared with traditional printing equipment, there is a big difference in process and materials. Therefore, a set of built-in data and profile profiles need to be established for the inks and papers used in digital presses.