The History and Future of Digital Printing
Digital print is making its mark on the printing industry, but what is it exactly and where did it begin? That’s what we’ll cover in this article. At BR Printers, we’re glad to offer a mix of digital printing and other strong printing methods that best suit our customer’s needs. With this expertise, we’re happy to bring you all the information and resources you need to know about digital print.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital print is a popular printing method using liquid ink or toner to apply designs directly to a print substrate. Picture a much larger version of your home digital printer. Publishers and companies turn to digital print technology when they are in need of a fast small print order. The digital printing process allows for customization which is a necessity for many commercial print items that rely on variable data printing such as direct mail and business cards. Digital printing presses produce high-quality prints in a timely manner with laser and inkjet technology. Digital printing methods are used for inkjet printers, laser printers, solid ink printing, digital presses, and dye sublimation.
Offset printing is a popular printing method alternative to digital printing. Neither printing method is superior but the argument of offset printing vs digital printing depends on a few factors such as cost, run size, and speed.
What is the History of Digital Printing?
A lot of history led to the first digital printing press in 1993. In 1938, the first photocopy was made by Chester Carlson. The first photocopy machine didn’t go on the market until 1959 when Xerox released the Xerox 914 commercial copy machine. For years after this machine, copy machines used powder, plates, slides, and bright lights to create copies. Then Benny Landa had a breakthrough that would change the printing industry forever.
Benny Landa was introduced to the printing industry at a very young age. He was inspired by his father who passionately ran a successful portrait studio in the basement of their family business in Alberta, Canada. His father’s photography inventions made a lasting impression on Landa.
Up until the 1970s, photocopies were made with powder, but Landa wanted to use ink instead. Ink would “allow the machine to operate at a higher speed,” says Landa. That’s when ElectroInk, a liquid ink that contains small changed particles, was invented. That technology was then used to create the fasted photocopier in the world.
Once Landa and his team learned this ink could also be used for printing, they created and unveiled the Indigo E-Print 1000 digital printing press in 1993. That’s when the digital press was born. Now Benny Landa is known as the “father of digital printing” and continues to educate and lead the printing industry.
The Future of Printing Technology
Digital enhancements in the printing industry are changing the market. Many companies are turning to the digital printing process and printer manufacturers are finding ways to meet this demand. At BR we’ve recognized these changes and asked our industry experts and sales leaders to give their predictions for the future of printing technology. Here is one thing Steve Duvanich, Director of Enterprise Sales at BR Printers, had to say.
“I anticipate in the technological evolution over the next few years, the digital workload will compete as an offset replacement at higher quantities.”
Steve Duvanich
Director, Enterprise Sales
Is Digital Print for You? Let’s Find out.
Digital printing technology offers so many benefits, but is this the correct print method for your job? Don’t stress, our BR Printers experts can steer you in the right direction within minutes. Find the high-quality print solution that best fits your print job. Fill out our contact form and we’ll get you in touch with a print expert today!
Sources:
https://printify.com/pod-glossary/digital-printing/
https://www.nationwidefrankingsense.co.uk/photocopiers-history