Increased reliance on digital printing systems by in-house and print-for-pay service providers continues to draw the support of paper manufacturers with an expanding catalog of options for everyday use and specialty applications. The selection of papers optimized for digital machines opens up new creative applications which encourage greater use of digital for all types of print projects.
Ned Spangler, market manager, private label imaging papers, International Paper, has seen growing demand for digital paper. "As we see customers transitioning commercial printing to digital applications, we will continue to develop new digital products and enhance our current products to meet the growing digital demand. Hammermill paper from International Paper continues to be the most well-known brand of digital papers in North America and offers a full line of digital grades."
"As the demands of the creative community get stronger, the paper mills are prepared to meet them," announces Michelle Garrett, sales manager for digital and retail paper products at Smart Papers. "As color becomes more prevalent with digital printing, we can provide substrates people dont have to worry about."
That kind of assurance will likely help fuel the continued growth of digital printing. Digital print technology carries with it special requirements; the right paper can be critical to achieving consistent results and uninterrupted productivity.
"Digital printing poses different demands on substrates than other technologies," points out Amy Kearns, Ph.D., manager of worldwide product planning and strategy, Xerox Supplies Business Group. "Thats why the best digital jobs are done on digitally-optimized paper...Choosing the right paper is important to obtaining optimum performance."
"There are two main challenges in developing digital papers and media," notes Carmine Pugliese, director, aftermarket products division, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The first is to find or formulate a product that has the versatility to run in a wide array of digital products with many different paper paths, toners, and fixing systems. A media type that does run well must meet the second challengeit must produce excellent image output."
Fortunately for end users, vendors have met the challenges of developing products for digital printing, in pursuit of new markets for themselves and their customers.
"For us, the challenges are really knowing and understanding the digital presses being used, where the growth is, and what types of products our customers need," says Celena Evans, digital manager, Neenah Paper. She says the companys sales team is constantly in touch with customers, listening for emerging trends in digital printing and how new paper products can help drive their growth.
Its that combination of attentiveness to an evolving marketplace and practical understanding of digital print technology which can make a paper vendor an eager partner. "Since we launched our digital papers in 1998, weve been meeting the needs of new digital print technology with products that demonstrate the full capabilities of the equipment," says Chris Harrold, director of business development for Mohawk Digital Papers. "As we continue to develop new products, we are committed to a forward looking understanding of new printing technology and our customer needs."
"Challenges lie more in terms of volume than actual product development specifications," states Lynda Ramsey, director, Weyerhaeuser Printing Papers. "With the support of the Weyerhaeuser Technical Center, we are able to develop the right products for emerging technologies."
Growing Digital Adoption
Digital represents only a small share of the overall printing market, but evidence already shows that digital could soon outpace growth in other segments. Improved quality, reduced set-up costs and waste, versatile print runs, and new options like VDP all combine to make digital a viable alternative to traditional offset printing.
More companies see digital as a print technology that will figure into their future. The Printing Forecast for 2006 from TrendWatch Graphic Arts reveals that 15 percent of print and pre-press firms plan to invest in some form of digital press this year.
Estimates from research firm I.T. Strategies project that the number of pages produced digitally with narrow format inkjet and electro-photography printers will top 596 billion by 2008a compound annual growth rate of 20 percent since 2003.
xpedx, an International Paper company, markets and distributes printing papers, graphics, packaging, supplies, and equipment. In response to the growth of digital printing, Jeff Higgins, director of marketing services and director of the national specification representative force, xpedx, notes a, "growth in the widening variety of digital papers. Almost every mill has an offering, from simple uncoated 24-lb bond to super-premium coated papers."
"The number of digital paper SKUs available from xpedx has grown exponentially over the past five years," notes Dave Wessling, xpedx director of marketing, business imaging-West. "For HP Indigo presses alone, we offer more than 200 SKUs. In addition, we also stock a wide array of digital papers under the xpedx brand Vector."
Meanwhile, some companies are working their way around specialized papers, with specialized digital presses. Paula Balik, worldwide product marketing manager, Digital B&W Products, and Charles Hura, worldwide product line marketing manager, Digital Color Products, both of Kodak, state, "The Kodak digital presses for B&W or color do not require special digital papers. They are robust enough to run a wide range of papers and substrates to meet the requirements of the graphics arts industry. The use of a blanket cylinder on the KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 plus platform enables such flexibility."
Unique Challenges and Offerings
The expanded catalog of papers will help make digital more practical for producing a broader range of products.
"Choosing the right paper for a digital job is not only directly related to the quality of the printed piece, but also to the productivity of the overall printing system," points out Kearns at Xerox.
"Papers designed for digital printing have different properties than ordinary offset paper," she continues. Special considerations include how the paper reacts to heat, pressure, and the chemistry of toners or inks.
These are issues paper manufacturers must address as they develop products for the digital market. There is not necessarily more involved than with developing papers for offset; digital simply presents a different set of challenges. "We have to produce paper which is jam free and meets the technical specifications of the press," explains Garrett. "We have to match that paper to the chemistry or technology of each piece of equipment."
"Customers are continuing to ask us for more coated papers, heavier basis weights, more cover grades and new digital sizes," notes Spangler. "Our channel partners are continuing to ask for increased brightness and higher levels of recycled papers."
"International Paper recently improved its imaging papers to a new standard of whiteness and brightness with the companys proprietary VIP Technologies," says Spangler. "This enhancement gives customers a paper thats more appealing with improved image contrast for printed projects."
Higgins sees a number of trends in consumer requests. "Colors and textures are increasingly sought in digital papers. Textures have been a bugaboo for years, but mills today are increasingly manufacturing papers with textures that work beautifully on digital printing equipment." He adds, "Substrates including plastics, labels, lightweight to heavy covers, and even boards are increasingly being used as printers seek new market opportunities and their digital equipment can handle the new substrates."
"Appleton believes the market for carbonless used on digital equipment is growing," adds Douglas Lacina, marketing manager, Carbonless Digital Products, Appleton. "Commercial printers continue to invest and move more of their total output onto digital equipment. In addition, forms end users continue the trend of moving forms production in-house onto copying and desktop equipment; moving from a pre-printed forms model to a print-on-demand model."
Some Tips on Buying
When end users understand some of the unique issues posed by digital print systems, they recognize the importance of paper for achieving reliable, consistent results.
Print providers cannot escape their own responsibility for investigating the market and options available to them when buying paper, according to Harrold. "Customers should make an effort to match the media with the equipment to get the most from their digital printing equipment. By carefully selecting papers that are proven to run, customers can leverage their investment and trust the print results will display the full capabilities of the equipment."
The process begins with checking to see which products are certified or recommended for a particular digital printer. "A good place to begin investigating any vendor is at their Web site," suggests Bob Huber, marketing manager with Finch Paper. "There, you can find out which papers are available for your system, and order some samples."
"End users must consider the application or the output that they are trying to achieve," notes Pugliese. "Monochrome output may be high volume and require a sheet that is qualified to run in a high speed copier/printer. Color output may be conveying an important message or image and therefore a specialty digital paper or media type may be required to withstand high fuser temperatures that are associated with color machines. We often find that some people will run a 20 Lb. Multipurpose Copy Paper for color production. They will be disappointed by the output in this case because the paper is not formulated for color output. The other side of the argument is that you would not use an 80 Lb. Digital Gloss Text Sheet for monochrome inter-office communications."
Kearns says the type of jobcolor or B&Wshould be the first consideration. "Digital color puts different demands on paper than B&W, and calls for a different stock," she says.
The smoothness of the paper, its brightness, as well as coatings are paper qualities which all influence the final look of color pages. "On a digital system, offset coated papers dont produce the same quality as a digital coated sheet," Kearns notes. "The papers dont contain the necessary coating chemistry to withstand the high heat environment of the digital printing process."
Its advisable to always test paper before ordering, and vendors make it easy to narrow the selection to the most appropriate products. Most provide some level of recommendation on their best paper for each job, based on the type of printer or intended use of the piece. Papers sold or endorsed by OEM equipment vendors carry an assurance of reliability and consistency, when used as specified. Aftermarket vendors have also submitted their papers for rigorous industry testing required to certify them for specific systems.
Huber advocates testing the paper on the equipment to make sure it meets requirements for the job. "With digital, theres not as much make-ready involved. Once you produce a moderate quantity of samples you can quickly see if the paper really meets your needs."
Highlighting another important consideration, Ramsey notes, "When evaluating products, availability is a key component. With digital printing, time is key. Knowing that the product is available locally can make a big difference."
Pugliese warns, "Price should be secondary consideration. I understand the need to buy a less expensive product for margin reasons, however if the media creates unnecessary jams, downtime, or additional service calls, then any savings will be quickly negated."
Several guides are available for making the proper paper choice according to the specific digital press it wil be run on and the final output. xpedx offers a Digital Paper Selector book, a resource on information from leading industry suppliers for a number of different printer brands and types. Another source is PaperSpecs, an online paper database designed for the design and print industries.
More Papers, More Possibilities
As the installed base of digital print systems expands, the choices of digital papers are growing, as evident in some recent announcements.
Appleton has been working with several printer OEMs to qualify its digital carbonless paper, Xero/Form II. Last October, Appleton announced qualification of Xero/Form II on several of HP's new color laserjet printers, in conjunction with the monochrome printers already qualified.
Lacina says that, "Many producers of carbonless, and Appleton's own offset brands, use resin and petroleum-based coating formulations. This works well in offset applications. However, Appleton's extensive internal and field-testing has indicated that resin and petroleum-based coating formulations can cause contamination and adversely affect digital equipment components." He explains, "Xero/Form II and eCARBONLESS coating formulations are primarily derived from vegetable oil and clay, which have proven to be compatible with digital printing environments."
Last year, Canon announced a number of new offerings, including Canon Genuine Color 27# Bond and 75# Cover with 98 brightness for Canon laser color machines. Their Genuine Color Awareness line, available in 20# or 24# weights, contains 30 percent post-consumer fiber content. Five new cut-sheet laser products are slated for launch in the first half of this year.
Domtar is focused on delivering exceptional brightness, clarity, and print resolution for their digital papers. Items in their lineup include Domtar Colors; Cornwall; Luna; Opaque Plainfield; and Microprint Coated Laser, and Color Copy. Their Microprint Digital publishing text is a 45/18 lb. text for digital publishing and high-speed environments. Its light weight reduces bulk and helps save on postage.
At Finch Paper, Huber points to the companys expanded product line-up for the HP Indigo press as indicative of its commitment to the market. The Finch Fine iD has been approved by HP for use on the press, and they say it features a proprietary surface treatment for Indigo ink adhesion of 99 percent, or better.
"Were also working on some technical upgrades for improved performance of our papers for color copiers which we expect to announce this spring," Huber adds. "Our goal, with all our products, is to provide parity performance with much more expensive papers, but at a lower price."
International Papers new announcements include a partnership with HP on the new HP Everyday Papers with ColorLok technology. "Scientists from the two companies partnered to develop this new technology that produces documents with bolder, sharper images and faster dry times," states Spangler.
Mohawk Digital Papers most recent introduction targets owners of the HP Indigo system. Last year the company added the Superfine iTone and 50/10iTone of matte and gloss coated papers to its line. "Both incorporate our proprietary iTone surface developed specifically for HPs Indigo series of print engines," explains Harrold.
He says the surface enhances both toner adhesion and transfer. "Adhesion and transfer are critical elements in Indigo printing which effect print quality, productivity and, ultimately, the cost of operation.
This spring, the company will turn its attention to color copiers, and expand its offerings there. Harrold says the company will add Mohawk Color Copy Ultra Gloss, a one-side coated paper for enhanced color output, with 30 percent post-consumer fibers.
The most recent introduction from Neenah Paper is its Eames Paper Collection, developed, "to give graphic designers a new toolkit of papers to inspire their printed promotions to greater heights."
The Eames Collection includes the Architecture Palette, a textured paper offered in six colors, recommended for jobs requiring scoring and folding; the Painting Palette with an embossed texture similar to a painters canvas; and the Furniture Palette, a weave finish of six colors available in six weights.
"Our approach is to develop and offer paper for people who are looking to trade up for the absolute highest quality," reports Evans. Neenah has also made strides environmentally, using Green Steam to provide energy for its Wisconsin mill, with an estimatated reduction in natural gas consumption of 80 percent annually.
Consumers can look forward to new products from Sappi Limited soon. "Were now in the process of revamping our digital paper line and looking at scripting new products for our commercial customers," reports Cheryl Shepard, director of marketing, Sappi. "We expect to make these new products available sometime during the second half of 2006."
Smart Papers has expanded its product line on several fronts. For laser printers, the company added the Kromekote Color laser Photo for photo printing, and the Kromekote Laser Folding Board for packaging, business cards, and postcards. For inkjet, the emphasis is on photo printing with two new Kromekote papers, Studio Picture Paper, and Picture Paper Photo Gloss. Its line-up for the HP Indigo press now includes the IN-fusion roll and litho programs of papers guaranteed for the HP Indigo, and the Pegasus Sapphire Brilliant White and Museum White papers, also guaranteed for the Indigo.
"We now offer papers for inkjet, direct imaging presses, electrophotography/laser, HP Indigo, and Xeikon engines," points out Garrett.
The latest addition to Stora Ensos digital paper products marks an extension of its Futura Laser brand. The paper is recommended for use on digital offset presses, color laser printers, monochrome and color copiers, and HPs Indigo presses.
"Weve made a brand extension with the addition of a 120 pound coated cover stock," reports Paul Lukaszewski, marketing manager, Stora Enso. "120 pound is already popular in commercial printing for printing things like pocket folders, paperback book covers, and some packaging, and we imagine there will be similar applications in digital printing, as well."
Wausau Paper recently added an earth friendly line of coated and uncoated papersExact Digital, which earned green seal certification in December 2005.
"One trend weve seen is demand for papers containing 30 percent post-consumer fibers," reports Dave Frendel, Wausaus digital business development manager. These partially-recycled papers, "give our customers assurance that this is an environmentally friendly line of papers," optimized for digital print engines.
Xerox has revamped its line with several new products over the past year. The company has combined its Multipurpose 4200 and Premium Multipurpose 4024 for monochrome printing into one product, the Xerox Business 4200. Xerox Pro-White, for high end color and document printing, offers 95/96 brightness for achieving crisp high contrast images. Xerox Color Xpressions+, has been added for professional applications such as color posters and brochures.
The company also expanded its portfolio for its iGen digital press with new coated papers to ensure toner adhesion and reliable print runs. They include the Xerox Digital Elite Gloss and Silk papers, Select Gloss, and Supreme Gloss.
Last year, xpedx added to its digtal offerings with its new branded Vector line, which includes a coated laser paper, Multi-Purpose, a DI coated offset, tabs, and laser cut sheets.
Summary
With the growing selection of paper, the real limit to what can be accomplished digitally could one day be the creative imagination of print providers and their customers.