With technology continuing to advance at a rate faster than at any other time in recorded history, some have wondered; will paper and printing become obsolete? Fortunately, however, printing has adapted and thrived within the Age of Digital. Far from becoming an outdated practice of the past, the printing industry has joined other leading industries to leverage new technology and partnerships, and improve their products for consumers.
While smartphones and tablets become out of date in a mere matter of months, the credibility and reliability of printed materials and hp envy 4500 ink have set printing apart from the noisy and cluttered online landscape. It is therefore clear that print is far from dead. In the midst of all this whirlwind technological development, the print industry has established itself as a stable and growing industry. Read on to find how printing technology has thrived in the Age of Digital.
Display Printing
The advertising industry plays a key role in the Age of Digital. From street corners to stadiums and beyond, large outdoor banners displaying the latest products and campaigns are commonplace in the world today.
Printing technology has, therefore, found its place to thrive in the Age of Digital, and the consumer-driven society we currently live in. Banners and high-resolution images are all part of the sign and display segment of the print industry. In fact, wide-format printing; which makes printing on a wide range of media including banners and other sales materials possible, is the result of recent advancements in printing technology and equipment. In the new era of communications, the demand for print advertisements is higher than ever. Through display and wide format printing, printing technology has thrived in the Age of Digital.
Wireless Connectivity
The days of arguing with siblings over who can use the computer first are long behind us. In fact, most households today, are home to multiple electronic devices for all members of the family. With smartphones and tablets now having the same capabilities as most computers, users can enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere at any time.
Printing technology has adapted to the needs of the modern consumer and has provided printing solutions with the same flexibility as other mobile options. Wireless printing is an example of this modern technology. Wireless printers use WiFi to connect all devices and multiple users to the printer, without the need for any wires or cables. By recognizing the benefits of mobile and wireless technology, the printing industry has met the needs of the modern consumer.
Personalised Printing
Due to technological advances in the printing industry, the cost of printing has lowered significantly. This has allowed printing technology to thrive in the Digital Age, as a provider of personalized printing material including mailing cards, gift vouchers, labels and foiled products.
Personalised printing is only one example of the kind of bespoke printing services that can now be offered as a result of advanced printing technology.
3D Printing
3D printing is perhaps the greatest (and most publicised) example of printing technology thriving in the Digital Age. Simply put, 3D printing creates a physical object from a digital design, by adding material layer by layer. While the first 3D printing process was created back in 1983, 3D printing has only recently hit the mainstream market as a result of significant advancements in technology and printing capabilities. There are now roughly 300,000 consumer 3D printers in the world – and this figure is doubling every year.
The print industry has not been immune to digital disruption. However, by pursuing continuous innovation and taking advantage of new technology, the industry has thrived in the Age of Digital. As leading industry players continue to leverage new technologies and partnerships to create new products and services, consumers will continue to reap the benefits of the Digital Age when printing.
