Pixarprinting - Web2Print: FAQ

Interest in the web-to-print is growing and an established sector operator, PixartPrinting, is able to respond across the board to the demands from potential users.

It does so in a systematic and detailed manner on its website (www.pixartprinting.it) and, since July, also from the pages of ItaliaImballaggio. In this issue, Director-General Alessandro Tenderini explains why and how packaging can also become "web2print".

What does creating and printing packaging "on line" entail?

In practice, users can view and choose product lines online, download the die template free of charge, apply the graphics, send us the file and ... wait for the delivery of the material. We have standard catalogue lines (Classical, Coupon, Mini folders, A4 folders) that are well suited to the needs of many small and medium-sized businesses seeking high quality printing and accurate finishing at contained costs. But we also offer a "deluxe packaging" line, where "ready to graph" products are created by renowned designer, made with selected paperboard on which we can provide special finishes. What holds true for all is the principle of processing carried out on the latest generation machines, which we also thoroughly test together with our technology providers for the potential of developing "alternative" uses.

If the web is a speedy means for getting in touch with a growing number of users, might one say that it is the intelligent use of technology that remains the key factor enabling you to create masterful packaging?

Certainly so. And in this sense, one of our most recent investments offers an illustrative example of how to "use" technology in a different way, adapting it to different production requirements. Indeed, we have installed three Durst P10 Rho 320R roll to rolls and a Rho P10 200 flatbed, two systems of the new range of UV inkjet printers of 10 picoliters offering Fine Art quality, on which we carried out some fairly severe field tests with exciting results (indeed, Pixartprinting is already printing 18 hrs a day, 7 days a week on banners and microperforates using roll-to-roll technology, and on all rigid materials in the catalogue, including board, using flatbed, Ed.).

Since the P10* technology, in particular, solves the problems of color adhesion in a totally unexpected way, we wanted to also test its efficiency on small packaging, counter displays, niche products capable of intriguing the customers. These trials led to the promotional launch of cardboard bottle holders, masterfully printed and that they have attracted great interest and that allow us to envisage further developments.

The web2print began as a competitive alternative to traditional printing and constitutes a particular form of outsourcing: to plan, decide, order and buy "print" via web without having to meet the service provider, of course at competitive prices, is now also a regular feature in Italy. In this context, PixartPrinting (Quarto d'Altino, VE), which has gained a reputation as a supplier of excellence through the quality of products manufactured and services provided.

From small to large formats, from magazines to exhibitors and samples, from labels to packaging: PixartPrinting is able to meet a host of different printing needs, leveraging an uncommon ability to invest in technology and a streamlined and capable organisation able to seize opportunities for improvement. Today the company serves some 80,000 customers across Europe with an average of 3,000 operations per day using latest generation machinery.

* The Durst 10 pl print heads, the heart of the printers. The excellent quality of the result is determined by both the droplet size of 10 pl, as well as the exact positioning of the ink drop of constant magnitude on the media surface.