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An Investigation into papers for digital printing

A survey of digital print providers in the U.S was conducted to identify constraints and potential solutions for improved performance and quality of digitally printed papers. The key factors in printers’ decisions about which paper to purchase were identified as runnability and print quality. The leading paper characteristics considered when making a purchase were found to be toner/ink adhesion, accurate sheet dimensions, dimensional stability, and moisture level. Performanceand runnability-related factors were found to be more important than appearancerelated factors. Overall, the price of papers charged by manufacturers to print producers was not a leading factor in the paper selection process. Digital print providers are most interested in an improvement in the extent of the available product range, with more sizes, finishes, and basis weights available for their digital presses. INTRODUCTION A survey of U.S. print providers currently using digital printing technology has been conducted to assess the relative importance of the different properties of digital papers. The survey explored the reasons why certain grades are selected by print providers, and assessed gaps in currently-available digital grades. Specific research objectives included: • identifying the paper grades commonly used for the market segment of production digital printing, • identifying the number of brands used and the nature of printing companies’ relationships to suppliers, • determining the factors that affect brand and purchase decisions, • discovering the relative importance of different paper properties and characteristics, • assessing the deficiencies in currently-available paper grades, and • determining what improvements are required by digital printers, and what limitations are currently imposed by press design. This study is directed towards the production segment of electrophotographic digital printing, and does not include the SOHO (small office and home office) and graphic arts inkjet markets. Direct-to-press and direct imaging (DI) equipment is not included in the scope of this phase of the research. A full analysis of the survey results is published in a Printing Industry Center Report [1].