The problem was that Indigo (pre-HP) never managed to develop an imaging engine for the press. This shows the problem, rather than the solution. Most sheet fed digital presses have a maximum imaging width of up to 14 inches (35 cm). With the exception of the Kodak Nexpress all sheet fed digital presses up to now have used laser-imaging technology. This technology works by focussing multiple laser beams onto a spinning mirror system that deflects the beams via a lens onto the imaging drum or belt.
The problem with this is that while it is physically possible to use this imaging approach to image over a wider measure than 14 inches, it is both extremely complex and expensive in terms of the lens and mirror systems to keep the laser spots controlled in size and shape across the whole imaging width. This is why all the continuous feed monochrome and color digital presses that use xerography (electro photographic technology) use an array of LEDs to image across a width of 18.5 inches for a 20-inch wide web.
At Ipex in May we will see the availability for the first time of true B2 format sheet fed digital presses from both Dainippon Screen and Fujifilm. These two presses were previewed at drupa two years ago. At that time we also saw the Jadason Q Press from China. The Jadason uses LED imaging and xerography whereas the Dainippon Screen and Fujifilm presses are the first true sheet fed digital color production presses using inkjet technology. These two presses have different approaches to the B2 format. The Fujifilm JetPress 720 is a true 72 cm press taking the 72 cm across the press like B2 format offset presses.
The Dainippon Screen TruePress JetSX takes the long dimension down the sheet and has a maximum paper width of 53 cm (20.8 ins) by 74 cm. To be correct the TruePress JetSX is in reality an A2 format press. These presses also differ in the Fuji press is built upon an existing Ryobi offset press chassis for the paper transport, whereas the Dainippon Screen press to my understanding does not make use of an existing offset press chassis.
When both of these presses were shown at drupa they were both single sided presses that would require the paper to be printed twice to allow for duplex (double sided) printing. Dainippon Screen have announced that the TruePress JetSX will now have an automatic duplex facility on the press, but at this time no details have been made public how this will operate.
I have been fascinated by this move to the B2 format and the fact that none of the established sheet fed digital press suppliers (Canon, HP Indigo, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Ricoh or Xerox) have decided, as far as is known, to enter this market. I wondered therefore what is the rationale for introducing a press for this format. In other words what are the ‘killer apps’ for the B2 format.
I have discussed this with many of the existing digital press suppliers who feel there is no compelling reason for a B2 format press. Fujifilm and Dainippon Screen tell me there is a major level of interest from printers for this format, but I am not sure if this is coming from offset printers who have yet to move into digital printing, or from existing digital press users?
Fujifilm executives tell me the press is suitable for complex work where larger forms of printing requiring complex folding are required. They also tell me it is where more accurate back to front registration is required, although I had not realised that this was currently a problem with digital printing. The Fujifilm press is really not suited for variable data printing as it requires two passes through the press for double sided printing. The problem with this is what happens if a sheet is damaged on the second impression, and how do you recover from this?
The problem with building a product that is targeted as a short run printing press without variable printing capability is there are real alternatives in this area. Offset technology, particularly where the same inks and substrates are used from job to job, is increasingly sophisticated for rapid turnaround between jobs. If the only saving with a B2 sheet fed digital press is for make ready, and then your cost for each print is higher, and your press purchase cost is higher, then where is the cost justification for the press? We also have to consider other alternatives.
I fully expect to see a B2, 75 cm format D.I. (direct imaging) press at Ipex. Now D.I. presses are very efficient and like a digital press they take digital input in and output four-color printed sheets. There is no separate plate making or plate loading. Their target market is from 250 impressions up to 10,000 impressions. Fujifilm state that their target market against B3 format digital and offset presses is from 200 to 2,000 impressions. For Dainippon Screen the situation is slightly different in that they can go after the pure variable data digital printing market, but one then has to ask is 90 pages/minute fast enough.
I am not convinced there is a large enough market to differentiate the new B2 format sheet fed digital presses from the existing B3 format presses or from D.I. and conventional offset presses. I hope I am wrong because it is good to see major companies endeavouring to change the market. I shall watch the outcome of this market after Ipex with great interest, but my belief at this time is that this technology has arrived too late to be successful.
