Printing ink technology is changing. While conventional inks – offset, flexo, gravure, screen and others – remain mainstays, inkjet inks, conductive inks and others are quickly becoming prominent. 

To meet these needs, the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) is scheduling its virtual Digital and Emerging Technologies Conference for Feb. 18-19.

With speakers from EFI, HP, Domino, LogoJET and others on hand, this virtual conference will cover a wide range of topics.

“This conference is designed to focus on the growing impact of the integration of digital technologies in the graphic arts space,” said George Fuchs, NAPIM director, regulatory affairs and technology. “This conference will provide the printing supply chain with an in-depth look at how these new technologies are integrating with and enhancing traditional print processes. Understanding the technology behind digital printing is key for raw material suppliers, ink manufacturers and other members of the graphic arts supply chain to succeed in this new and growing area.”

The first day of the conference will begin with an introduction to digital printing, with sessions like Inkjet 101 and sessions on new digital technologies for direct-to-object printing. 

Fuchs noted that a panel of experts who understand the transitional issues associated with moving from an analog environment to a digital environment will share their experiences and answer audience questions. 

The second day will dive into areas such as printed electronics and food-grade edible inkjet inks.

“The second day of the event will include fascinating and important topics like using conventional print processes for printed electronics applications, a detailed discussion of the current technology for inkjet printheads and digital printing for edible applications,” Fuchs said. “A panel of experts will discuss current and future inkjet manufacturing technologies/issues and how digital printing is being integrated into the package converting space.”

The schedule of talks is as follows:

Tuesday, May 18:

• Noon-12:30 p.m. – Welcome to the NAPIM Digital & Emerging Technologies Conference – Mike Oberski, BASF;

• 12:30-1:15 p.m. – Inkjet 101 – John Mills, Xaar;

• 1:30-2:15 p.m. – What Do Digital Effects and Contoured Printing Offer to Brand Owners and Require from Suppliers? – James Bullington, LSINC Corporation;

• 2:30-3:15 p.m. – Direct To Object Printing – Ben Adner, Inkcups;

• 3:30-4:45 p.m. – Analog to Digital Panel – Andrew Grantham, Lubrizol Ltd.; Dr. Jianping Wang, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.; Phil Jackman, Sun Chemical, Ltd.; and Stephen Shannon, HP, Inc.

Wednesday, May 19:

• Noon-12:45 p.m. – Advancements in Materials and Processes for Printed Electronics Manufacturing – Erica Rebrosova, Sun Chemical;

• 1-1:45 p.m. – Print Head Tech – Richard Darling, Ricoh;

• 2-2:45 p.m. – Food Grade Edible Inks – Oscar Granados, LogoJET;

• 3-4:30 p.m. – Inkjet Manufacturer/Converter Panel – Liz Logue, EFI; Howard Bertram, Complete Design & Packaging; Matthew Condon, Domino; and George Perreira, Whitebird.

The cost of attending virtually will be $125 for NAPIM members and $150 for non-members. For more information, check the NAPIM website at www.napim.org, or contact Fuchs at [email protected].