SPECIAL REPORT VARIABLE DATA PRINTING -- Digital Print Goes Postal

The samples produced were all variations of the same piece—a 6x9˝ postcard promoting the 2005 TechAlert Conference—printed from the same file. The postcard's design featured extensive toner/ink coverage on the face, with the back dominated by a large white area for the mailing panel.

Sets of 25 postcards were printed on both digital (toner) and digital offset/direct imaging presses for comparison, as well as with and without various protective coatings, including aqueous and UV options. The lineup of system vendors who agreed to participate in the test included Heidelberg (Quickmaster DI Pro), Hewlett-Packard (HP Indigo 5000), KBA (74 Karat), Eastman Kodak (KPG Direct Press 5634DI and Kodak NexPress 2100), Xeikon (DCP5000) and Xerox (iGen3).