With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the printing industry is undergoing a profound transformation. In this process, inkjet printing technology has emerged, from the initial technical exploration to today's practical application. Inkjet printing technology is reshaping the landscape of the printing industry with its high efficiency, low cost and wide applicability.

Since inkjet printing first attracted attention in the printing industry 15 years ago, it has gradually fulfilled its important promise to become the future of the industry. With the improvement of digital printing technology, printing materials, digital printing inks and customer acceptance, inkjet printing is becoming a disruptive force, driving wider adoption and diversified applications.

NAPCO Research conducted a study about Inkjet Revolution to evaluate the value that inkjet printing creates for printing suppliers. Based on survey from 219 printing service suppliers, 167 buyers and influencers related of printing products, and in-depth interviews with 5 printing suppliers that have invested in inkjet technology, the study quantified the migration trend of inkjet printing to printing applications, analyzed the motivations and obstacles for investing in inkjet technology, and explored customer demand and requirements that drive inkjet printing.

The study found that mass-production inkjet printers bring significant benefits to users, including an average 9% reduction in paper costs and consumption, a 9% reduction in production waste, an 8% increase in profits, and one fewer person operating the press machine. Some users also shared the profitability of inkjet technology, such as a commercial printing provider pointing out that inkjet printing has improved productivity and reduced waste; a direct mail printing provider said that inkjet printers have significantly increased revenue when they are busy; and a printing plant has improved efficiency through inkjet technology and avoided the need for extra shifts.

The research also shows that 54% of respondents are already using inkjet printers, of which 25% use sheet-fed inkjet printer, 16% use roll-to-roll paper inkjet printer, and 13% use both. Among those who have not yet used inkjet technology, 23% plan to invest in inkjet equipment in the future. Key drivers include improving production efficiency (45%), meeting short-run printing needs (43%), reducing turnaround time (39%), shifting offset printing volumes to mass-production inkjet printing (36%), and reducing total cost (35% ), etc.

In addition, inkjet printing provides customers with many advantages such as version control, personalization capabilities, multi-color printing capabilities, short-run work and higher production speeds. 57% buyers and influencers specified inkjet printing, while digital electrophotography/toner printing and offset printing were chosen by 55% and 37% of respondents respectively.

Mass-production inkjet printing machines are helping printing service suppliers grow their business, meet the diverse needs of customers, and drive the industry towards a more efficient and flexible direction. Research shows that companies that invest in inkjet printing benefit significantly and improve their market position. The report concludes that mass-production inkjet printers are no longer a “wait and see” investment and are delivering tangible market returns to users.

As inkjet printing technology further improves and costs continue to decrease, its application area and market potential will continue to expand. For enterprises in the printing industry, seizing the development opportunities of inkjet technology can not only improve their competitiveness, but also open up new growth space. Mass-production inkjet printing technology is leading the industry into a new era of more intelligence and efficiency.