drupa cube

Sessions & speakers | Wednesday June 8th
drupa cube
engage | educate | entertain
14.45 - 15.45 Technology Gladiator Session
Inkjet vs. Offset
in Commercial Printing
Offset technology has held off the challenge of toner
based digital printing by becoming more flexible, easier to set
up and more connected. Digital has found a space for
limited volumes and personalisation. For everything else, offset
must be the choice.
Now there is a new challenger: inkjet. Inkjet printing can be fast,
but can it deliver the quality and cost performance that
printers need? Many suppliers can now offer an inkjet solution.
However, is this a viable solution for printers today, or is it an
exhibition fantasy, a promise that printers should look out for
but refrain from investing in?
Speaker: Gareth Ward, Publisher,
Eurographic Press and Editor, Print Business
Gareth Ward has been writing about developments in
the printing industry since 1983, attending ever drupas
since then. His perspective and commentary on
industry developments and technology is unmatched
by any other journalist in the print sector. Since 2010
he has been publisher and editor Print Business and
the printbusiness.co.uk website. He has tracked inkjet
since its earliest days in addressing systems, through
labels printing, direct mail and now as it encroaches
on commercial printing. He is anticipating a lively
debate tackling a key issue that all printers need to
consider for the future of their business.
Speaker: Mark Hinder,
Head of Market Development, Konika Minolta
I have been in the production printing industry for
over 24 years, working previously for Xerox prior to
joining Konica Minolta Business solutions. I now lead
the development of the KM1 UV inkjet business for
Europe, supporting customers looking to invest in B2
cut sheet inkjet technology to develop a strong and
robust business model. We will review new market
opportunities to link technology to embrace and
capture profitable opportunities for print web and
mobile.
During my career I have managed and supported the
early solution pioneers of web2print and cross media
marketing to integrate their solutions with digital press
technology.
Speaker: Bob Usher, MD Apex
Technologies.
Following an introduction to print as a technician
and service manager, Bob Usher founded Apex
Reprographics in 1989 as a service organisation for
Itek platemakers and Ryobi small-offset presses.
Bob spearheaded the drive to become Eskofot
distributor for both digital and analogue platemakers.
Some 500 UK DPX System installations put Apex at
the forefront of digital platesetter technology.
Apex Digital Graphics was appointed UK distributor for
Ryobi offset presses in 2002, and Bob has since led
the company into digital through a partnership with
Konica Minolta.
More recently Bob held the position of Chairman
of PICON, the UK’s trade association representing
manufacturers and suppliers.
Agenda subject to change