Continuous-Feed Inkjet Paper Options Continue to Ramp Up
Other markets, such as high-graphic-content direct mail and commercial printing, have been slower to adopt continuous-feed inkjet. With higher ink coverage, ink costs rise, and premium inkjet papers are needed. Mary Schilling, of Schilling Inkjet Consulting, notes that the break point to move to a better sheet is around 15 percent to 20 percent ink coverage, depending on the artwork and image quality required. Beyond that, it is preferred to upgrade to premium treated or coated inkjet papers. She adds that with high ink coverage, a heavier inkjet paper stock may be needed to handle ink saturation to reduce paper cockle and curl, which can cause finishing issues. Schilling believes that if continuous-feed inkjet wants a large share of the conventional market, "utilizing an ink with high water percentage as its base carrier just isn't the right way to go. There will have to be a change in ink chemistry."
Jack Miller is founder and Principal Consultant at Market-Intell LLC, offering Need to Know™ market intelligence in paper, print and packaging. Previously, he was senior consultant, North America, with Pira International.
Known as the Paper Guru, Jack is the former director of Market Intelligence with Domtar, where he also held positions as regional sales manager, territory sales manager and product manager. He has presented at On Demand, RISI’s Global Outlook, PRIMIR, SustainCom World and at various IntertechPira conferences. Jack has written for Printing Impressions, Canadian Printer, Paper 360, PaperTree Letter and Package Printing, along with publishing a monthly e-newsletter, MarketIntellibits.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross and has done graduate studies in Statistics and Finance.
