Digital & Emerging Technologies Conference

The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) Digital and Emerging Technologies Conference is designed to focus on cutting-edge technologies in digital printing and related graphic arts. Ink makers, suppliers, converters, and brand owners are welcome to attend this two-day virtual event to gain an in-depth understanding of current and future printing applications, including academic research and industrial innovations.

Registration Fees

Open to members and non-members of NAPIM. Space is limited. Register early to attend.
Registration Deadline: June 13, 2022

Session Highlights

This is a two-half-day must-attend virtual event for ink makers, suppliers, converters, and brand owners seeking in-depth, advanced training and education on leading digital print technologies. Topics will include the following:

2022 Economic Overview
Looking for more information on the global ink market and economic outlook for 2022? We will cover market size, share, trends, and forecasts for various sub-segments of the ink industry and key raw materials markets. Learn more about the competitive landscape, regional insights, and key trends driving growth.

Digital Ink Market Update
The digital ink market is projected to grow significantly over the next couple of years. This update will include a detailed analysis of the digital ink market, emerging trends, and business growth opportunities.

Direct-to-Object Printing
Direct-to-object printing is a term coined in the digital printing industry as imaging directly onto the substrate rather than onto a label. This method of printing saves on time, lowers costs, and ensures that you are using the most sustainable printing method available. This presentation will review different methods of direct-to-object printing, the options available on the market, and the many benefits. It will conclude with steps to take to adopt this printing method to be successful. 

Hybrid Screen Printing Process
This research explored and developed computer-to-screen (CTS) application for innovating a conventional screen-printing practicum. Initial research utilized a MIMAKI UJF-6042 on-demand piezo head flatbed printer. The project's goal was to develop a CTS system that would produce screens for spot color printing, replacing the make-ready consumables, shortening preparation time, and maintaining the quality accepted in comparable conventional screen imaging systems.

Digital Textile Printing
Explore developments in digital textile printing and what makes this process different from conventional textile printing. We will look at printers used in the process, types of application, volume, and more.

Transitioning to Digital Printing
Digital printing has come a long way. Today applications as varied as billboard printing, direct mail, and ceramic tiles are dominated by digital. New opportunities are emerging, particularly in corrugated printing and textiles. Industry leaders will discuss how printers are transitioning into these markets and offer their insights into the future of digital printing.

Industrial Inkjet Implementation Challenges
One transition issue of concern is implementing a conversion to inkjet digital decoration from conventional methods. This session expresses the importance of understanding the real scope of work, component selection, system design, print/post-print requirements, and realistic expectations for project development and implementation.

Schedule 

Speakers

Dr. Simon Daplyn
Simon joined Sun Chemical in July 2020 as part of the acquisition of Sensient Imaging Technologies and is responsible for the management of product and marketing output. Having studied and worked in digital print for over 20 years, Simon has been responsible for the development, commercialization, sales, and marketing of a wide range of digital inks with a particular focus on textile technologies. Currently, Simon is responsible for defining the product strategy for Sun Chemical in Digital Textiles with a view to sustainable technology developments.

Greg Adams
For over 8 years, Greg Adams has been a noteworthy leader in the digital printing space. During his time at INX, he has made contributions to the development of inkjet printers, including narrow webs and various cylindrical direct-to-object printers. He holds an Industrial and Systems Engineering degree from Auburn University and resides in Huntsville, Alabama.

Dr. Carl Blue
CN Blue is an Associate Professor in the Department of Graphic Communications, College of Business at Clemson University. After undergrad as a graphics specialist, he worked in newspapers, photography, and textile industries for 15 years. Postgraduate he has taught and developed curriculum and conducted research in higher education graphic communications programs since 2001.

Shenqiang Ren
Dr. Shenqiang Ren is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Chemistry at SUNY-Buffalo with research interests in materials design and assembly, and transformative manufacturing of emerging multifunctional materials (http://rengroup.eng.buffalo.edu/). He earned his Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland College Park and then served as a postdoc fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Michael Youngblood
Dr. Youngblood has more than thirty years of experience teaching economics at Rock Valley College. Over his time with RVC, he has taught Introduction to Economics, Contemporary Economic Issues, Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and World Economic Systems. Always looking for innovative ways to introduce more students to economics, he was one of the first faculty members to develop both interdisciplinary and online courses. 

Craig Reid
Craig Reid is the Founder and President of CTR Resources, LLC; providing consulting and contracted services in the areas of inkjet technology and process improvement. Technology assessment of inkjet components, system configuration options, sourcing and integration options, project development, and implementation of custom solutions required for digital printing and decoration applications. Focus areas include Direct To Shape, Direct To Object, Industrial Decoration, and Packaging.

Dave Savastano
Since joining Ink World as its editor in July 1998, David Savastano has covered all aspects of the ink industry and its suppliers. In 2008, Dave was named the founding editor of the Printed Electronics Now website. In addition, Dave has written for numerous industry publications and has been a featured speaker at industry conferences and ink industry associations. In honor of his many contributions, he received a 2022 Printing Ink Pioneer Award from NAPIM.

Paul Strunk
Paul Strunk is the Southeast Regional Sales Manager of Inkcups, a global supplier and manufacturer of industrial inkjet printing equipment, pad printing equipment, laser plate-makers, inks, and supplies. With over 25 years of industry experience, Paul has led the largest sales territory, excelling, and establishing Inkcups as a leading innovator in the promotional products, eCommerce, and industrial markets. In his previous life, Paul served in the United States Navy where he was trained as an underwater expert.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Promote Your Company as a Top Supplier of Inks and Raw Materials

Video Advertisement: $1,500

Sponsorship opportunities are available to promote your company, products, and services. Suppliers can submit up to a 3-minute promotional video played at various times throughout the virtual event. Your video will be shared on NAPIM’s LinkedIn page and posted to the website. Your company logo will be displayed in all conference marketing, and you will receive recognition as a sponsor on NAPIM’s conference page.

Video slots are limited. Take advantage of this low-cost advertising option now.
(select this opportunity when you register for the virtual event)

Questions about sponsorships? Please email NAPIM's Executive Director, Molly Alton Mullins at mmullins@napim.org.