Digital Press Technologies - Summary of Companies, Technology, Papers

Digital Press Briefing - Companies & Press Technologies

1. HP Indigo (HP Inc.)
   • Technology: Liquid Electrophotography (LEP), also called ElectroInk + Thermal Offset Transfer/Direct Contact Transfer.
2. Xerox (Xerox iGen series)
   • Technology: Dry-toner xerographic 4‑/6‑color toner fusion systems.
3. Kodak NexPress (Kodak/Heidelberg joint venture)
   • Technology: Dry-toner xerographic, multi‑station toner engine, CMYK + specialty toners.
4. Canon Production Printing (formerly Océ)
   • Technology: Dry-toner electrophotography, also CrystalPoint gel-toner for improved edge sharpness.
5. Ricoh & Konica Minolta Production Presses
   • Technology: Dry-toner electrophotography with advanced toner formulations and finishing capabilities (e.g., inline booklet/trimming).

Technology Overview

HP Indigo (LEP) utilizes a liquid electrophotography process. It begins by imaging an electrically charged photoreceptor drum with a laser in the shape of the print image. Liquid ElectroInk (toner particles suspended in oil) adheres to the charged areas. The image is then thermally transferred to an offset blanket and from there directly to the substrate (direct contact transfer). This process enables extremely high-resolution output (up to 2438 dpi addressing, 812 dpi imaging) with sharp detail, smooth gradients, and excellent substrate adaptability. LEP's liquid nature also allows opaque, substrate-penetrating coverage (e.g., white ink, metalized), making it ideal for packaging, photo, and specialty applications.

Dry-toner xerographic presses (Xerox, Kodak NexPress, Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta) employ charged toner particles that adhere to an electrostatically-imaged drum, then are transferred to paper and fused via heat and pressure. These systems vary in the number of toner stations—Xerox iGen and Kodak NexPress offer spot/expanded color options (e.g., light cyan/magenta, white). They provide high-speed production, robust finishing options, and compatibility with heavier coated stocks. However, image quality typically trails Indigo in smoothness and gloss homogeneity, and some toners can yellow or band on textured papers .

Substrate Specifications & Paper Recommendations

HP Indigo (LEP)

• Acceptable stock: Coated/uncoated papers from ~45 lb text up to 150 lb cover (approx. 105–400 gsm), thickness 70–400 µm.
• Formats: Up to B1/SRA1 sizes (~29" × 20").
• Paper brands:
  • Spinnaker Cast Coated: 80# (216 gsm), optimized for Indigo.
  • MGX pressure‑sensitive adhesives: for labels and coatings.
  • PaperTyger Synthetic: multi‑technology synthetic, Indigo compatible.
  • Common photo/cover papers by Mohawk, Neenah, Sappi, Fedrigoni.

Dry-Toner Presses

• Xerox iGen / Kodak NexPress: Support 40–300 gsm, coated/uncoated, synthetic substrates. Kodak NexPress also supports expanded gamut colors and UV gloss varnish.
  • Paper lines: Kodak NexPress Certified (Via Georgia-Pacific, twin rivers), Xerox iGen Papers from Alliance for Print Excellence (e.g., Mohawk NexPress Certified).
• Canon Production Printing: Similar range as above; CrystalPoint technology handles 60–350 gsm coated/uncoated.
  • Substrate lines: Canon/ColorWave Certified (e.g., Encore, Neenah, Fedrigoni).
• Ricoh / Konica Minolta presses: Typically 52–350 gsm, long grain coated/uncoated; Fujifilm, Neenah.

Summary Table

This summary reflects current (mid‑2025) documented specifications and industry product lines.

Related Posts and Information

Last updated: July 16, 2025