Print Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Digital Printing

The demand for digital printing is rising as clients require smaller quantities of high-quality outputs for personalised marketing, event materials and limited-edition packaging. The global digital printing market, valued at SGD 51.33 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to SGD 76.90 billion by 2030, driven by its cost-effectiveness, flexibility and versatility when printing on a wide variety of substrates¹. This article explores the importance of digital printing, the challenges businesses face in the commercial print sector and how innovative production press printer technologies from FUJIFILM Business Innovation help businesses stay competitive and relevant.

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing is a printing method that directly transfers digital images onto various media substrates without the need for printing plates. Unlike offset printing, which requires time-consuming, labour- intensive plate preparation and setup, digital printing simplifies the process by using high-speed laser technology to produce high-quality prints quickly. This makes digital printing particularly useful for on-demand printing, variable data printing and small-batch production.

Why is Digital Printing Ideal for Short-Run Printing?

Short-run printing involves producing smaller quantities of materials, typically ranging from a dozen to a few thousand copies. Digital printing excels in this area, offering high customisation, quick turnaround times and cost-effective production without the need for traditional printing plates.

• Lower Setup Costs – With offset printing, you'll need costly plates and skilled print specialists to complete the setup. Digital printing allows businesses to start printing faster and more cost effectively with user friendly digital machines.


• Faster Turnaround Times – Since there are no plates or drying times, digital print jobs can be completed quickly, making it ideal for time-sensitive materials such as event flyers, promotional brochures or seasonal packaging.


• High Customisation with Variable Data Printing – Businesses can personalise each print job by incorporating unique text or images for specific audiences. This is essential for targeted marketing campaigns, customer loyalty programs and limited-edition products.


• Reduced Waste – Digital printing enables businesses to print only the required quantity, eliminating excess inventory and minimising waste. This is particularly important for companies looking to reduce costs and support sustainable printing practices.

Addressing Industry Challenges with Digital Printing

The demand for short run print jobs is steadily increasing, fuelled by shorter product life cycles and market demands. For example, instead of refreshing products every 2 years where the production cycle is 3 months and the sales cycle is 21 months, B2C companies need to refresh products every year. This means the production cycle has been reduced to 1 month and the sales cycle to 11 months. Digital printing, with its versatility, speed and high-quality outputs is ready to meet this demand for faster production. Commercial printers facing the challenge of more printing jobs with tight print deadlines and smaller budgets can benefit from embracing digital printing.

Short Run Print Jobs, Completed Faster

Brands are launching new products at an unprecedented pace, leading to shorter product life cycles and an increased demand for digital print jobs. According to Harvard Business Review, faster product launches are essential to staying competitive, but they also require businesses to balance speed with quality and adaptability in their processes². This means companies need agile solutions that can keep up with demand without compromising on output. FUJIFILM Business Innovation digital printers offer both speed and flexibility, integrating seamlessly into workflows to support high-quality, rapid production.

Commercial printers must satisfy both the increase in print volume as well as in the number of print jobs to stay competitive as cost per print falls. FUJIFILM Business Innovation's digital production presses offer high-speed performance, exceptional print quality and advanced automation features, enabling businesses to handle large workloads efficiently while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Example: Marketing agencies frequently require event-specific materials, such as catalogues and invitation cards, for occasions like product launches. With digital printing, agencies can produce these materials quickly and efficiently while accommodating real-time adjustments.

Imagine a scenario when a client requests last-minute design changes or additional branding elements based on management feedback. Digital printing allows these updates to be seamlessly incorporated. This capability not only reduces lead times but also ensures that the materials remain relevant and impactful, enabling brands to stay agile and responsive in dynamic environments.

High Costs and Lack of Skilled Operators

Offset printing, while cost-effective for long run print jobs, comes with challenges such as the need for skilled operators and significant training. Errors in the process can lead to waste and increased costs since every print job requires a printing plate. Additionally, offset printing is time-consuming, as it requires sample preparation before actual production begins. This makes it less suitable for short run print jobs. Supplementing the printer fleet with a digital printer versatile enough for short run as well as longer run print jobs (if necessary) is a great way to ensure you get the best of both worlds.

Leveraging Digital Printing Technologies

With rules-based automation and user-friendly interfaces, digital printing can help commercial printers keep up with demand for short run jobs. For instance, FUJIFILM Business Innovation’s Revoria XMF PressReady Software streamlines multiple tasks and enables businesses to run print jobs 24/7 without the need for onsite operators. Now, print jobs can be completed faster and more efficiently than before. This helps to improve productivity and reduce downtime.

Exploring New Business Opportunities

Digital printing equipment opens doors for diversification and innovation. Businesses can now tap into new markets with high-value digital printing applications. Print can be produced on a variety of media, including speciality papers and unique textures. For instance, speciality colours such as gold, silver, clear and even printing on metallic, transparent and coloured media can produce eye-catching print products. This capability enables companies to expand their service offerings, such as creating luxury packaging, bespoke invitations or promotional items.

Customisation for Enhanced Customer Engagement:

Advanced printing enables businesses to personalise materials, such as direct mail, packaging or promotional items, meant for individual customers. This level of customisation enhances customer engagement and builds brand loyalty.

Sustainability in Digital Printing

Sustainability is a growing concern across industries and the commercial print sector is no exception. Digital printing reduces waste and overproduction from unnecessary test prints because the print setup is done digitally. This allows for modifications and multiple corrections before the item is printed allowing printers to conserve resources and use less.

Furthermore, FUJIFILM Business Innovation production printers use the Super EA-Eco Toner. This toner reduces environmental impact through key features: lower fusing temperatures (approximately 30-35°C less than traditional toners) to cut energy consumption, fine particle size for precise application that minimises waste and eco-sensitive design enabling businesses to print only what’s needed while delivering superior print quality.

Benefits of FUJIFILM Business Innovation’s Digital Production Printers

FUJIFILM Business Innovation has revolutionised the commercial print industry with its focus on innovation, efficiency and sustainability. Key features of its digital production presses include:

• Variable Data Printing: Personalise every print job with data-driven designs for specific audiences.


• High-Resolution Output: Ensure sharp and vivid prints for both text and images, suitable for marketing materials and premium packaging.


• Quick Setup and Lead Times: Save time with printers that are ready to handle new jobs in minutes, eliminating the lengthy preparation times associated with offset printing.


• Overall Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs by printing only what’s required, reducing waste and inventory expenses.


• Environmentally Sensitive Solutions: Super Eco-EA toner supports sustainability goals while delivering exceptional print quality.

FUJIFILM Business Innovation production presses empower businesses to handle the quantity and quality digital print jobs demand while boosting productivity, reducing waste and staying competitive.

Discover how FUJIFILM Business Innovation's printing solutions can help you meet client demands with speed, quality and flexibility. Get started today!

References:

¹ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/digital-printing-market-report

² https://hbr.org/2018/07/finding-the-perfect-pace-for-product-launches