Research

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An Investigation into Papers for Digital Printing

Area: Processes, Productivity, and Profitability
Document # PICRM-2005-06

This study is designed to identify constraints and potential solutions for improved performance and quality of digitally printed papers. The targeted market segment is high-end digital production in the U.S. In the first phase a survey of print providers has been conducted, the sample drawn from the network of printing companies currently engaged with Printing Industry Center research activities. The second phase will be to follow up observations from the survey with a case study approach, working with both print providers and with digital press manufacturers. In order to understand the characteristics of this digital printing market segment, a demographic study of the respondent group was conducted as part of the survey. This was followed by an exploration of the considerations and paper characteristics that are involved in the paper grade selection decision. The role that paper characteristics and press requirements play in production efficiency and document quality was investigated. The change in paper costs to printers over the last few years was also explored.

Specific research objectives included:

1. Identifying the paper grades commonly used for the market segment of production digital printing,
2. Identifying the number of brands used and the nature of printing companies’ relationships to suppliers,
3. Determining the factors that affect brand and purchase decisions,
4. Discovering the relative importance of different paper properties and characteristics,
5. Assessing the deficiencies in currently-available paper grades, and
6. Determining what improvements are required by digital printers, and what limitations are currently imposed by press design.

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Tags: paper digital printing

Author

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Mary Anne Evans, Ph.D.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Author

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Bernice A. LeMaire

Rochester Institute of Technology