Bernd Zipper had a real inkjet insider as a guest. Ralf Schlözer grew up in the printing industry. He studied in Stuttgart, Berlin and the USA, had a deep involvement in research at MAN Roland and knows the facts, figures and data. A man who researches markets and technologies and draws conclusions from them. He publishes on English-language blogs and has an almost inexhaustible knowledge. This knowledge came just at the right time for Bernd Zipper, as inkjet printing seems to be the technology of the future.
We are at a point where even the big players are embracing inkjet technology. In many cases, offset machines are still positioned next to inkjet quality or high-speed machines. Bernd and Ralf know these companies and report from practical experience. The two discuss the exciting question of break-even. This is a topic that interests the entire printing industry as well as publishers and book manufacturers.
But there are many other areas of application for inkjet. It’s about packaging, labels, decor or textile printing. There is printing on tile, glass, metal, on all kinds of things and on 3D bodies. It all has its reason for being. Everywhere the two experts see the same trends, for example, just-in-time production, Industry 4.0, no warehousing, new designs, no restrictions with repeat. Inkjet is so flexible that you can use it in all areas, confirms Ralf and elaborates on his findings.
As exciting as the question of which machine is the best or the right one remains the issue of the payment concept. Buying, leasing, volume billing or a mix of everything? Here, too, models are emerging that are of interest to users.
Real insiders have information that is not so easy to find and read about. Bernd and Ralf have revealed their hidden secrets and talk about their experiences. They also follow up on the statement that inkjet inks are supposed to be more expensive than the most expensive champagne. Whether the two of them drank any champagne after the podcast is something the old companions are keeping to themselves. But they certainly deserved a good drop for the podcast.
As always, you can listen to the podcast here (in German) on Beyond-print.de under ZIPPERS INSIGHTS – or alternatively on Spotify.
