Drupa’s report series tracks key economic and market developments across the print industry globally, regionally and within markets. Over 600 printers and suppliers contributed. Last year’s report, the first since the Covid pandemic, was remarkably positive as the ever-resilient print industry bounced back, reporting a more positive condition than in 2019 i.e. before Covid-19. The results this year have maintained that momentum, with a further improvement in sentiment for 2023 and very positive expectations for 2024. Globally in 2023, 44% stated their company’s current economic situation was ‘good’, and 12% [...]

According to Focus Label Machinery, as technology continues to advance, digital printing machines are at the forefront of an evolving industry that promises better results for more cost-efficient prices in future. The printing industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, and the future of digital print promises even more innovative developments. So, what are the key trends that will revolutionise the printing landscape in years to come? Advanced Print Technologies The future of digital print is marked by the continual development of more advanced printing technologies, with high-speed inkjet [...]

Focus Label Machinery explores environmentally friendly ink alternatives that have gained traction in the printing industry. For many years, solvent inks were the go-to choice for many printing and packaging applications, but soaring demand for sustainable printing, coupled with legislation on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, fire hazards, and energy consumption, means businesses had to seek alternative products that offer environmental and economic benefits. Inks contain a few different components: pigments (provides the colour), additives (that improve performance, drying time, resistance to smudging, etc), and carriers (the vehicle that [...]

Africa Print expo organisers Practical Publishing have announced an exciting 2024 calendar, with events to be hosted in Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Visitors to the 2024 Africa Print expo’s can see the latest opportunities in digital printing presses, binding equipment, digital packaging solutions, screen printing, digital textile printing, finishing equipment, ink, software, pad printing, paper and board, litho print solutions, encapsulating/laminating and digital label printing. A major theme of the Africa Print Expos will be live, on-site demonstrations conducted by product experts from various leading companies, who [...]

Dura were at the recently held Africa Print Expo, which took place from 13-15 September 2023 at Gallagher Convention Centre. At the stand was the company’s RUK 2.5 x 1.3m flatbed cutter, creaser and scorer, as well as a RUK 400 x 600mm digital die-cutter, kiss-cutter and scorer, both of which have drag knives, scoring wheels and cameras for registration. DURA +27 72 319 9275 info@durait.co.za

Focus Label Machinery outlines the benefits of UV and electron beam (EB) curing, and their respective considerations. When it comes to curing in the printing industry, UV and EB are two popular methods that offer unique advantages. Understanding the benefits of both UV and EB curing can help you make an informed decision about which method is best suited for your specific needs. What Is UV Printing? UV printing is a printing method that uses special UV curing ink to print onto a variety of substrates. The ink is placed [...]

The Africa Print Expo, held from 13-15 September at Gallagher Convention Centre, was bustling with many returning visitors per day, while exhibitors set social media alight with their stand videos and pictures. Bells were ringing on stands with sales being made, and the overall feedback illustrated an extremely good looking expo with a diversity of products and thousands of brands on exhibit. The expo attracted 4735 visitors from 18 countries, a 15% increase from 2022. The top ten countries that visited outside South Africa were Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, [...]

Kemtek Imaging Solutions showcased HP Indigo packaging solutions, Creality 3D printing and laser cutting/engraving technology at the Africa Print Expo, which took place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 13-15 September. Visitors could learn about the the company’s HP Indigo solutions, which include the series 3 (B3 format), as well as the series 4 and 5 (B2 format). The HP Indigo 100K (series 5, a productive B2 commercial printer), 35K (series 4 for folding carton), 6K (series 3 for labels and packaging) and 25K (series 4) were highlighted. The company’s [...]