Digital technology in spotlight at SaS

At the ninth Seekho and Samjho session, held on 9 October at the SIES College, Shah presented on the benefits as well as limitations of digital printing. 

 

The topics in focus at the session were about electrophotography, difference in production inkjet and toner-based machines, and the size and media limitations of digital printing.

 

“There have been talks of digital printing replacing the offset printing soon, but according to me it will take few more years for the technology to be at par,” said Shah. He further added, "Considering that the digital technology has both its pros and cons, it is very important for the companies to get their expectations right."

 

Thus, for Shah, it begins with changing the mindset about the technology among the managers and supervisors of a printing house. Comparing the digital and offset technology Shah said, “With digital machines the level of wastages during changeover of jobs and proofing is quite low and offers flexibility in the length of run of jobs when compared to offset.”

 

“The downside of digital would be the life of a digital machine, which is not more than five years. Also, the resale value of these machines is less when compared to offset,” said, Shah.

 

Presenting alongside Shah was Vishwanath Shetty of PrintWorks. Shetty conducted a tech lesson on how to get artworks ready for printing. Shetty cautioned the audience against the implications of the assumed print readiness of the files that come in. He shared tips on how one should check the artworks before going to print.

 

Shetty explained the discrepancy in the so-called, print ready files supplied by the customer to a printer. Explaining one of the issues Shetty said, “You often get PDF files from clients as print-ready files. But if they are created in Microsoft programs like PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher or Word, the files are not print ready since they have cut-marks, sizing, bleed areas, colours in RGB and pagination for print forms missing.” 

 

Shetty highlighted key check-points which a printer should follow so that additional costs are not incurred. He said, “Always compare the specifications with the purchase order and also the fabrication cost provided with the design concept.” 

 

Shetty concluded the session by talking on hidden costs. He said, “In case of post printing, one should check the effect of heat etc. on the printed sheet, specifically for acrylic work, keychain or similar items. Similarly one should take care when laser cutting is involved. The ends of the paper can get charred, which should be compemsated by providing extra margin.”

 

Together, the duo focused on how to adapt to digital printing with the many factors like staff training, quality assurance, finishing techniques and more importantly, the limitations of the technology, being at the crux.