Drupa 2024: A Showcase Of Innovation And Advancements In The Printing Industry Worldwide

After an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024, the world's largest printing trade show, kicked off on 28th of May 2024, showcasing the latest innovations and advancements in the printing industry. It is being held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 28 to June 7, 2024. The event brought together over 260,000 visitors from around the world to experience the cutting-edge technologies and solutions on display. 

The 11-day event will feature over 1,800 companies from around the world, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in the printing industry. 

Drupa Next Age (DNA) 

"We are delighted to welcome the printing world back to Messe Düsseldorf after eight long years," said Sabine Geldermann, Director of Drupa and Portfolio Print Technologies. "The pace of change has increased, and we started exploring the future of printers. You have to decide what your business will be in 4–6 years." 

Joining Hands 

WhatTheyThink, the leading global media organization serving the printing and publishing industries, joined forces with HP to leverage hybrid production processes to create a unique Drupa Daily experience during the show. The company used artificial intelligence analysis to predict the approximate number of copies required each day, based on 2024 registrations and past history, to eliminate the many copies that historically have been left over and discarded at the end of each show day. 

In addition to it, WhatTheyThink collaborated with WhatTheyThink Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems to design and construct display stands where drupa visitors can pick up their copies of the drupa Daily. These sustainable and budget-friendly display stands are constructed of 100% recyclable panels of BEElite honeycomb cardboard core and an external paper layer that will be printed. 

Cannon announced Heidelberg Co-Operation and New Technologies at drupa 2024 

Canon (Hall 8A, Stand B41-1 to B41-8), announced a global sales and service co-operation in inkjet printing with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen. The agreement will see the varioPRINT iX3200 B3 sheetfed inkjet press and the newly announced varioPRESS iV7 B2 sheetfed inkjet press integrated into Heidelberg’s commercial print portfolio. The products will be sold via Heidelberg under their own brand and product names. 

Drupa 2024 witnessed a remarkable showcase of new technologies and innovations highlighting the latest advancements in the print industry. Here are some of the notable exhibits: 

Innovative Technologies And Solutions 

Canon Moves Into B2 Inkjet 

Canon launched varioPRESS iV7. A key for competitive inkjet press is productivity. The varioPRESS iV7 has a speed of 8,700 impressions/hour on a B2 sheet or 4,350 sheets duplexed. With a larger sheet that supports 6-up (614 x 675mm/24 x 26.6- in.), the speed drops to 7,200 iph, or 720 A4 ipm (in 6-up). Additionally, the iV7 includes productivity-enhancing features like multiple paper trays and automated quality control. 

Other features position the iV7 equally well for the commercial market. Uncoated paper from 60 to 450 gsm and (standard) coated papers from 75 to 450 gsm are supported, which includes light board. With a 1,200 dpi printing resolution and multi-level drop sizes, the press aims for a high print quality. The varioPRESS iV7 is targeted at high-volume environments. 

Canon showcased its ProStream and ColorStream ranges, high-speed, web-fed inkjet printers that offer unmatched quality and flexibility. The company also demonstrated its PRISMA software for graphics arts, including PRISMAlytics for production dashboard management and PRISMAprepare for document and page-level editing. 

Personalization Of Boxes With RISO 

The Japanese printer and inkjet printhead manufacturer RISO devised a printhead engine that can be easily integrated into packaging and shipping lines. The inkjet unit named Integlide offers two or four color inkjet printing and includes a controller and ink supply. The oil-based inks don’t require drying, which helps to keep the set-up compact.  

In addition to the established downward-facing inkjet heads, RISO offers a version with sideways-facing inkjet heads. This allows for easier integration into conveyor belt systems. Integlide is shown as a technology exhibit and is available for system integrators starting mid-2025. 

Komori-J-Throne 29 

In world debut in the digital printing zone is J-throne 29, a B2 sheetfed UV inkjet digital printing press that joins the Impremia IS29s and Impremia NS40 in Komori’s digital portfolio. With printing speeds of 6,000 sph single-sided and 3,000 sph double-sided, J-throne 29 is scheduled to enter beta installation testing at the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2025. 

KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press 

Kodak Prosper Ultra 520  

Kodak presented its KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press, which cranks out 200 LPI of set quality work at 500 feet per minute, allowing for reduced overhead, increased revenue, and boosted profitability. 

Techkon 

Techkon, a global leader in the printing industry, unveiled its latest innovations and solutions designed to revolutionise the print and media landscape. They featured a diverse range of solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the print industry, including: 

Next-generation colour management solutions: Techkon unveiled its latest colour management solutions ExPresso 5 and Chroma QA 5 designed to streamline production workflows, enhance colour accuracy, and optimise print quality across a wide range of applications. 

Innovative measuring technologies: Visitors had the opportunity to explore Techkon's innovative measuring technologies, including SpectroDens, SpectroDrive and SpectroVision. 

Digital Embellishment And Finishing 

Harris & Bruno 

Harris & Bruno is traditionally known for their high-quality flood coating anilox technology. This year, they unveiled the ZRX Sheet Fed Digital Embellishment Machine. Their new technology marries their analog coating expertise with digital embellishment to address the industry’s existing gaps. The machine integrates the well-regarded H&B Chamber-Anilox System with advanced digital inkjet technology. 

The ZRX model, set to operate in both B2 and B1 format versions, is designed to embellish directly onto uncoated media without the need for lamination, a significant leap as this has been the Achilles heel of the digital embellishment industry. This not only broadens the range of printable substrates but also opens new special effects that have not yet been seen in the industry. 

MGI Digital Technology 

MGI Digital Technology showcased its latest innovations in digital finishing with JETvarnish 3D Web 400. It is MGI‘s second-generation roll-to-roll press. In a single pass, it enables 100% digital application of spot UV varnish AND hot foil stamping, flat or embossed, with or without variable data. 

MIG’s JETvarnish3D Web 400 

Optionally equipped with a flexo unit and a semi-rotary die-cutter, it combines the best of digital and conventional technologies, offering converters and printers a simple-to-use, reliable solution for top-quality finishing. 

Scodix 

Scodix also demonstrated its SHD (Smart High Definition) technology for high-definition digital embellishment with the launch of the Scodix Ultra 2500 SHD and Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD presses at Drupa 2024. These presses introduce Scodix’s Smart High Definition (SHD) technology and the new Multilayer Enhancement (MLE) technology, opening up new dimensions in print embellishment. 

MLE technology, in particular, offers interesting embellishment possibilities on uncoated papers, highlighting Scodix’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The ability to apply multiple layers in a single pass allows for the creation of sophisticated effects, from braille to crystal finishes, on a wider range of substrates than before. 

Hybrid Offset And Digital Printing 

Heidelberg 

Heidelberg highlights its latest sheetfed offset technologies at hall 1, where commercial/publication printers can see integrated Prinect workflow software driving multiple devices. 

Speedmaster XL 106 model will become the new standard for offset production that requires frequent job changes—at maximum speeds up to 21,000 sheets per hour (16% higher than 18,000 sph)! This machine has the capacity to produce 100 million sheets annually.  

The SM XL 106 features end-to-end automation from plate imaging to plate feeding. The combination of Plate-to-Unit and Prinect on the front end can produce 18 to 20 jobs per hour on a 450-sheet run. In addition, the new generation of CutStar reelsheeter facilitates automated processing of thin substrates (thickness range: 0.2mm to 0.6mm). It is supplemented by collaborative robotics in postpress with StackStar C, making high-volume output more efficient and economical than ever before. 

Fujifilm 

Fujifilm also showcased its hybrid offset and digital printing technology, which allows for high-quality prints with minimal waste. This technology is particularly useful for printers looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high production levels. 

At drupa 2024, they are introducing the FUJIFILM Dimatix SkyFire® SF600. Like the Samba, this new printhead leverages their proprietary piezoelectric inkjet technology based on proven silicon Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (Si-MEMS) fabrication techniques. It is designed to withstand a wide variety of inks including aqueous, organic solvents, and UV-curable, and print at high speeds while offering high quality and durability. 

The SkyFire® printhead can deliver four gray levels at 600 dpi resolution with a drop size range of 5–25pL and nozzle layout that enables a high throw distance to meet a broad range of applications. 

Packaging Innovations 

BOBST Unveils Innovative Solutions At Drupa 2024 

In the packaging sector, BOBST is taking connectivity and digitalization to the next level by enabling a closed-loop workflow ecosystem from pdf to twin pdf to boost productivity, ease of use and contribute to sustainability.  

BOBST Connect  

It is constantly evolving, cloud-based digital platform, which improves productivity. It’s features include a major update to equipment monitoring, providing more detailed data insights than ever before, while performance management provides insights on equipment, shift and job performance and energy consumption, optimizing sustainability and cost. 

Bobst Connect 

BOBST’s Digital Front End (DFE) 3.0 

For labels, the new cloud based BOBST’s Digital Front End (DFE) 3.0, will be showcased for the first time to the public and be commercially available later in the year. It enables access to real-time data, resources and workflow templates anywhere, at any time. Color management can be managed centrally and shared in the cloud, and its web-based interface supports multiple users across multiple sites. 

BOBST MASTER RS 6003 

Bobst Master RS 6003 

In flexible packaging, BOBST’s extended color gamut (oneECG) technology used for gravure printing has been fully validated by Pantone. This means that the BOBST MASTER RS 6003 gravure printing solution is officially able to reproduce the Pantone library within a required level of accuracy – giving customers complete peace of mind. 

Koenig & Bauer 

Koenig & Bauer are focusing on the packaging market and digital solutions, including packaging workflow for offset, digital, and flexo printing. Koenig & Bauer has created an impressive ecosystem on the show floor, demonstrating a comprehensive end-to-end packaging workflow. This includes everything from prepress, printing, and die-cutting to gluing folding cartons.  

They showcased a range of presses and machines featuring the Rapida 106 X, VariJET 106, CutPRO X 106 rotary die-cutter, CutPRO Q 106 SB flat-bed die-cutter, and the Omega Alius 90 folder-gluer. This setup offers a thorough exploration of their capabilities in packaging production. 

Running Live 

Konica Minolta 

Among the 30 systems running live at drupa is Konica Minolta’s next generation HS-UV Inkjet Press, AccurioJet 60000, which is being shown for the first time at drupa. This high-end model follows the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1e series and has been further developed for maximizing customer value and improving usability.  

The AccurioJet 60000 features an HS-UV Inkjet Press with a remarkable capacity of 6,000 sheets per hour (sph) and offers bothside printing capabilities, ensuring versatility and efficiency in printing operations. This press is a highlight of the show and combines impressive speeds with excellent image quality.  

AccurioJet 60000 (Hall 8b/A40-1– A40-6) 

The use of Konica Minolta inline sensors and a spectrophotometer allows continuous monitoring and control of the printing process to ensure consistently high quality. 

Komori 

On the show floor, a Lithrone GL840P eightcolor (28x40-in.), 4/4 perfector is practically running itself, according to Martin. The sheetfed offset model features the latest advances in Komori-engineered pressroom automation, including the ability to program up to five jobs at once into the machine “without the need for any real operator engagement,” he notes. Supporting more sustainable printing, the press reduces energy consumption by approximately 18%. “We’ve made design changes in the units to make that happen,” reports Martin. 

Komori- Lithrone GL840P in Hall 15 Booth E02 

The core system is Komori’s KP-Connect workflow, which facilitates visibility, automation and streamlining of the production site by connecting all equipment—from MIS to prepress, press, and postpress systems. 

Artificial Intelligence And Sustainability 

Bobst Connect 

Bobst is demonstrating how machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to elevate packaging production at the ongoing Drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany.   

Bobst Connect 

At the event, the company launched two major new features for Bobst Connect: Workflow with Job and Recipe Management enables customers to seamlessly integrate Bobst machines in their production and design workflows and benefit from bi-directional job and recipe data synchronization for fast set-up and increased productivity. 

Meanwhile, the Energy Monitoring feature allows customers to measure their energy consumption and costs in real-time by collecting data across various jobs, settings and connected machines. 

Ricoh 

Ricoh VC800000 at Henkakuverse in Hall 8a 

Ricoh Predictive Insight, introduced with the VC80000 highspeed inkjet is exhibited by Richoh. It leverages artificial intelligence to enable smart planning by monitoring jobs moving through the workflow. Using predictive analytics combined with machine learning, potential machine issues and maintenance requirements can be planned well ahead of possible problems. 

X-Rite Pantone 

X-Rite Pantone’s demonstrated its continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of color precision and control in printing with their new release; eXact 3. 

X-Rite Pantone’s eXact 2 advanced spectrophotometer 

At the core of X-Rite Pantone’s stand is the live demonstration of their latest product releases. The new eXact 3, an advanced spectrophotometer, promises unparalleled accuracy in color measurement, catering to the increasing demands for consistency and quality in commercial and industrial printing. It can measure a wide range of colors on different materials and surfaces and integrates with software and digital color data to make workflows seamless. 

Key Statistics For Drupa Exhibition 2024 

• 183 Countries represented, highlighting the event's global reach and significance. 

• Over 900 exhibitors expected to showcase cutting-edge products, services, and solutions, catering to diverse industry needs and interests. 

• Product categories and the count of exhibitors participating -  

Prepress / Print -371 exhibitors 

Pre-media / Multichannel - 36 exhibitors 

Post press/Converting / Packaging - 499 exhibitors 

Future technologies - 91 exhibitors 

Materials - 359 exhibitors 

Equipment / Services / Infrastructure - 335 exhibitors 

Conclusion 

 As the printing industry continues to evolve, Drupa 2024 has set the stage for the future of printing, emphasizing the need for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The event has provided a platform for companies to showcase their latest technologies and solutions, and for visitors to experience the latest advancements in the industry. As the show continues over the next few days, attendees can expect to see even more exciting developments and breakthroughs in the world of printing. 

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