Future of Inkjet Printing Technology

Singapore | 4 February 2021

With inkjet printing increasing its share of the total print industry from 8.8% in 2018 to 13% in 2023, we can expect rapid developments in the technology and its adoption across industries.



Future of Inkjet Printing Technology

With inkjet printing increasing its share of the total print industry from 8.8% in 2018 to 13% in 2023, we can expect rapid developments in the technology and its adoption across industries. Based on Smithers report on the Future of Inkjet Printing, we consolidate and shine light on some of the trends we can expect in the next few years.

Visualising inkjet printing for tomorrow

1. Print quality

On top of good sheetfed on standard coated papers and boards, we can expect inkjet prints to produce labels and packages that are on par with flexographic, lithographic and gravure quality. Businesses will have better leverage, in terms of providing enhanced customisation and customer alignment for stronger market performance, while reducing wastages with inkjet’s short-run capabilities.

2. Technology

Vast improvements are expected in terms of inkjet technology. By 2023, it is projected that the market will be able to provide printers with inkjet heads that work at higher speeds of 300m per minute at 1,200 dpi, that too with improved reliability due to higher levels of nozzle redundancy. There will also be an expanded scope for decoration and direct-to-shape printing, which is the process of printing images and texts directly onto objects and is driven by enhanced robotics applications. Further complementing these are new embellishments and tactile finishes for more customisation and personalisation opportunities.

Pertaining to inkjet presses, we can expect large-format sheets and webs to work at speeds comparable to analogue alternatives, further amplified by automation features that will increase productivity on each run.

3. Ink

The UV cured printing ink market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 5.3% during the forecast period till 2025. The significant driver for UV ink demand will be facilitated by the packaging industry. India will emerge as the fastest-growing UV cured printing ink market within the Asia-Pacific.

 

Industry opportunities

1. Printing companies

Developments in inkjet will have far reaching impact across various factions of industries. At the driving force are printing companies directly involved in the business of inkjet. With expanded applicability of substrates, enhanced finishes and ability to provide product configurations with customisation options, printing companies can provide more value to their customer-base from print advertising through to labels and packaging.

2. Marketers & brand owners

To reach a wider pool of consumers, marketers and brand owners must come up with unique strategies which inkjet printing can support. Digital printing, for instance, allows for more personalised and targeted marketing opportunities, while interactive packaging with QR coding can improve product engagement through elevated sensorial experiences with premiumisation – all in all delivering stronger market retention. This is important for brands to differentiate themselves in a pool of competitors.

3. Rethinking Digital Printing

Advancements in digital printing today will change the landscapes of tomorrow as we progress technologically with end-users in mind.

At Konica Minolta, our inkjet printers like the AccurioJet KM-1 are designed for proficiency and productivity. As we continue to have our sights on technological opportunities, rest assured that partnering with us accords you a competitive edge as you remain not just relevant but ahead of the rest with next generation proficiencies.

 

Reach out to our experts today and find out how inkjet printing can deliver success for your business.

 

References:
Mordor Intelligence (n.d.). “UV Cured Printing Inks Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020-2025)”. Mordor Intelligence. Retrieved from: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/uv-cured-printing-inks-market