Digital printing industry shifts focus to finishing and automation

The wide-format printing industry is shifting focus toward finishing processes, such as lamination and digital cutting, to resolve operational bottlenecks caused by rapid advancements in printing technology.

In the lamination sector, high-production equipment is increasingly defined by its ability to handle heavy duty cycles, often operating five or more days per week across multiple shifts. Key metrics for productivity include throughput, repeatability, and the ability to maintain consistent pressure and temperature across wide media. Features like pneumatic roll handling and single-pass lamination and trimming are essential for maintaining pace with fast-paced digital print workflows.

Simultaneously, the digital cutting and routing industry is moving toward industrialized manufacturing through increased automation. Due to labor shortages, manufacturers are developing systems that allow a single operator to manage multiple machines. Modern automation now encompasses robotic loading, automated material handling, and camera-based registration systems to facilitate unattended production workflows.