The book printing industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the rapid adoption of inkjet technology. To shed light on the topic, Pallippuram Sajith, managing director of Impel Services (Bindwel – Stelda Group) highlighted the key factors fueling this trend and Bindwel’s strategic role in supporting the industry’s evolution.
Game changer
The rise of digital platforms and eCommerce has shifted consumer expectations toward faster, customized printing options, fueling the demand for short-run (50-1000 copies) and micro-run (less than 50 copies) printing. This trend has become particularly relevant in India, where the print-on-demand market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.8% between 2023 and 2031.
According to Sajith, the growing demand for inkjet technology in book printing stems from its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ability to personalize content.
“Inkjet printing minimizes setup costs, making it an economical choice for low-volume print jobs, which is especially advantageous for publishers managing smaller print runs,” Sajith explained.
The technology enables customization, allowing publishers to create personalized books to enhance reader engagement. Its scalability allows publishers to start with small print runs and seamlessly scale up as demand increases.
Sajith noted that both large and small book printers are increasingly adopting inkjet technology because of its flexibility and efficiency.
“Large publishers are using inkjet printing to manage back catalogs and reprints more effectively, while small and medium-sized printers are leveraging the technology for print-on-demand services for niche markets and self-publishing authors,” he said.
Economics and technological advancements
Inkjet technology has made significant strides in cost reduction, quality improvement, and speed, making it a more viable alternative to traditional offset printing.
“Advancements in inkjet technology have lowered the cost per page, improved print quality to meet professional publishing standards, and increased printing speeds, enabling quicker market responses,” Sajith pointed out.
Bindwel’s role in inkjet printing
Bindwel has closely examined the evolving landscape of short-run and micro-run printing, identifying trends, and challenges, and is developing innovative solutions to address the industry’s needs.
Leveraging its expertise, Bindwel provides advanced machinery—such as the Bindwel Insta, Freedom 2K, and the versatile Trimit 30C Freedom SRT—to facilitate seamless, on-demand bookbinding and printing. It has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the evolving inkjet book printing landscape by developing innovative and adaptable solutions.
Bindwel Insta (One-Book Model): This machine facilitates ultra-fast, on-demand production, achieving speeds of 1,000 books per hour while handling unique customizations. With its QR code reading and job-changeover features, Insta maintains the integrity of each book, making it ideal for personalized orders.
Freedom 2K (Short & Micro Run): This flexible system supports diverse formats, allowing print runs from as few as five up to 5,000 copies. It ensures rapid adjustments to various book sizes and formats, maintaining quality and efficiency.
Trimit 30C Freedom SRT: Tailored for short and micro runs, this machine adapts to different book thicknesses with seamless knife movements, ensuring precise cuts. Integrating easily with the Freedom 2K, it offers production monitoring and user-friendly controls, making it a valuable asset for versatile printing needs.
“We are providing advanced bookbinding machines that integrate seamlessly with digital and inkjet workflows. Our solutions are for both short and medium runs, offering flexibility and efficiency,” Sajith said.
He said Bindwel’s range includes solutions such as the three-clamp binder for short runs and the medium-speed binder capable of producing 2,000 books per hour with job changeovers taking less than a minute.
“Bindwel’s machines are part of almost all recent inkjet installations, including Monotech, Atexco, Founder, and Miyakoshi. Customers such as Saurabh PrintoPack and SAP Print Solutions have chosen our Freedom 2k SRB model for high job-changeover requirements, while others with longer runs have chosen our SigLoch 1200 or BW@2500 models,” Sajith said.
Bindwel’s strategy focuses on collaborating with publishers and printers to address their unique challenges. “We’re deeply engaged with the industry to understand its needs and provide tailored binding solutions that align with market trends, including on-demand and short-run printing,” Sajith said.
By offering innovative technologies and fostering industry collaboration, Bindwel says it is playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the book printing industry as it embraces the possibilities of inkjet technology.
Integrating offset and digital
Bindwel advocates a hybrid printing model, combining offset and digital technologies for optimal efficiency:
- Market Testing: Digital printing is ideal for initial print runs, while offset printing is cost-effective for larger quantities.
- Efficient Inventory: Digital printing enables just-in-time production, minimizing waste; offset printing supports high-demand titles where cost-efficiency is paramount.
- To uphold quality, Bindwel emphasizes rigorous standards in binding digital print.
- Paper Selection: Optimal GSM levels and grain direction ensure durability.
- Ink Coverage and Moisture Control: Maintaining ideal ink and moisture levels prevents cracking and warping.
- Precision Binding: Advanced spine preparation and controlled adhesive application safeguard binding integrity.
