The learning curve
Many agree that finishing is an untapped frontier where astute printers can build a profitable relationship with customers where both reap increased brand recognition and profits .
Feature
Print finishing : All that glitters can also be golden
Caterina Valentino
Digital finishing holds great promise and many benefits , but the first step is demonstrating the value of these special effects
Print finishing , and in particular , digital finishing , promises to boost profits , add value and separate early adopters from the competition . And , in a world of shorter runs , product customization , faster time to market , shrinking margins and predatory pricing , astute printers look for ways to differentiate their product and increase profits . As the saying goes , no print job is completed until it ’ s finished properly .
Finishing today is dominated by increasing automation and the integration of traditional and new technologies , and by eye-popping special effects rendered by laser cutters , and special applications from suppliers like Scodix and MGI . A touted advantage of these finishing techniques is that it doesn ’ t matter if the job was printed on an offset or digital press . But , finishing is more than just an enabling technology that allows printers to participate in a particular segment . Many agree that finishing is an untapped frontier where astute printers can build a profitable relationship with customers where both reap increased brand recognition and profits . Although it may be a niche market , printers in many spaces are keeping a close eye on the progress of digital printing and finishing – especially in short-run printing .
Early adopters are going through the learning phase right now . One of the biggest barriers to making money on finishing is demonstrating to cost-conscious clients the value of adding tactile and visual effects to printed products . For small shop owners , the decision to outsource digital finishing work or purchasing new equipment to serve clients can be monumental . Moreover , while many digital press manufacturers have improved processes , finishing still remains a challenge . For many production managers it ’ s viewed as either a production bottleneck or another equipment investment they ’ re simply not willing to make – yet .
The learning curve
No matter the printing method , transferring product from one feeder to another isn ’ t always a smooth process . The paper is not necessarily flat , it has toner on one side , there is static and there may be curl . By the time a job gets to finishing its profits have been booked . Any rework in the finishing department cuts deep into revenues and it ’ s this realization that pushes printers to automate and
Many agree that finishing is an untapped frontier where astute printers can build a profitable relationship with customers where both reap increased brand recognition and profits .
Scodix E106 Digital Enhancement Press
24 | March 2018 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE graphicartsmag . com