Importance and uses of Digital Printing Machine

Introduction

The use of digital printing applications and integration of these applications into

traditional print markets is rapidly expanding. Digital printing machine, unlike the traditional print

processes, is a direct to output device process thus it does not employ a “pre-press”

operation as would be associated with traditional commercial printing technologies, i.e.,

screen or lithographic printing. Instead, the image is created on the computer and

transmitted directly to the output device. 

There are two primary types of Inkjet technology that are used to produce an image. The

first is drop-on-demand. Using this method the heads form ink droplets by applying

pressure to the nozzle chamber. This action forces the drop of ink out of the nozzle onto

the media or print surface as is needed to create the image. There are two types of drop-

on-demand ink jet heads, piezo and thermal.

 The second type of Inkjet technology is continuous. Using this method, the ink is

continuously under pressure forming a stream of droplets. The droplets required to form

the image are channeled to the media, while the unused droplets are recycled.

 Highly important to successful inkjet digital imaging is the print head, which literally “jets”

the ink onto the substrate. Piezo heads release ink by applying pressure to the head’s

nozzle chamber, forcing a drop of ink onto the print surface as needed to create the

image. With thermal ink heads, a heating element creates a gas bubble in the nozzle

chamber; the bubble yields the pressure needed to force a droplet of ink onto the media.

Producing the Image

 Once the image has been captured, it is then transferred to the printing station.  The

computer directs the speed of the head technology as well as the machine to produce

the image.  As with all printing processes, digital prints dots, which in turn trick your eye

into seeing a continuous image.  Digital technology prints in four color process.  

Finishing the Image

 Lamination is often used to "finish" digital prints. Using special media, inks and/or

laminates, images can be produced which withstand indoor humidity, sunlight and most

outdoor weather conditions. Also, adhesives are available which provide the opportunity

to apply digital images to various surfaces.