Friesens is known for its’ innovative printing excellence and it’s worth celebrating. So we are proud to announce the launch of our newest addition: the HP PageWide T250 HD inkjet press, a groundbreaking digital inkjet press, equipped with state-of-the-art printhead technology.
Friesens has embraced digital presses for years, yet this marks our maiden voyage into the realm of high-speed inkjet production presses – a venture that comes complete with an integrated press and finishing system.
The heart of this innovation lies in the process itself. It’s a fascinating contrast between the new inkjet press and its conventional toner-based digital counterparts. The intricate plate-to-blanket-to-paper transfer process is replaced with a simpler, cleaner approach. The inkjet press’s print heads wield their magic, elegantly spraying ink directly onto paper. The result? A remarkably streamlined process unlike any other press in the facility. The T250 HD inkjet press is a visual standout, boasting a unique aesthetic that sets it apart.
Since efficiency is a key element in the printing world, we are pleased that this new inkjet press will be more cost effective on shorter runs. For example, this press transforms a roll of paper into a book block primed for the binding line in a mere 80 feet, managed by just one or two operators.
Speed is also a vital element, and our new press operates at impressive speeds (up to 800 feet per minute). This acceleration demands precision at high speeds, a challenge the T250 HD inkjet press conquers effortlessly. Sporting an impressive 2,400 nozzles per inch, this press delivers accuracy in a flash, holding its own against the quality of offset presses, especially on uncoated paper.
There are always pros and cons, and with efficiency and speed come challenges. For example, the price of ink can be a variable when comparing presses. The cost of ink for a conventional press would be a fraction of the total printing cost while ink prices for the inkjet press may account for approximately 30 percent of the total cost. Still, the ability to print “on demand” so-to-speak, makes the inkjet press a true gem.
The era of longer print runs might be evolving. We foresee a shift towards shorter runs and more frequent reprints, enabled by technologies like the inkjet press. Publishers are empowered to gauge demand with greater accuracy, minimizing wastage and optimizing inventory. The press’s flexibility becomes a tool for publishers to adapt to this new normal, printing smaller initial quantities and adjusting as needed.
As the printing industry evolves, Friesens evolves alongside it and our dedicated, talented employee-owners are committed to reinvesting in our operations. Not only for our own benefit today, but for the benefit of employee-owners of the future and the communities they call home. Our company has been in business for 115 years and we’ve never been more excited about the future!
