Ink-jet printing: Will technological progress enable full potential to be reached?

The question of whether digital printing can evolve into a serious production method is posed. Massive commitment from key industry players and newcomers is noted. The former includes Stork, Zimmer, Lectra, Sophis, Ciba, BASF, DyStar and DuPont while the latter includes Hewlett-Packard, Konica, Mimaki, Encad and Digital Printing Systems (DPS). A Centre of Excellence in Digital Ink-Jet Printing has been established at Philadelphia University. The two principal technology types are continuous and DOD (drop on demand). Industry partnerships are discussed. DuPont's recently launched Artistri technology is explained in detail. Joint working between Stork and Lectra is reviewed using Stork's Amber digital printer. The DPS-Ciba partnership is examined and details of their working arrangements including ColorSpan Corporation's new Display Maker FabriJet XII which is explained, covering the range of its capabilities. An optimistic future for ink jets is forecast.