History Digital Printing

The history of digital printing is a fascinating journey that spans several decades. Digital printing refers to the process of printing digital-based images or text directly onto various surfaces, bypassing the need for traditional printing plates. Here's an overview of the key milestones in the history of digital printing:

1960s - Emergence of Early Digital Printing Concepts:

The concept of digital printing began to take shape in the 1960s with the development of early computer printers. These printers utilized dot matrix technology to produce printed output, though the quality was limited and the process was slow.

1970s - Introduction of Laser Printing:

In 1971, Xerox introduced the Xerox 9700, 

which is often considered one of the first high-speed digital printing systems. It used laser technology to create high-quality images and text.

The introduction of laser printing paved the way for the development of more advanced digital printing technologies.

1980s - Advancements in Inkjet Printing:

The 1980s saw significant advancements in inkjet printing technology. Inkjet printers use tiny droplets of ink to create images on paper and other surfaces.

Companies like Hewlett-Packard (HP) played a crucial role in popularizing inkjet printing for personal and business use.

1990s - Rise of Digital Color Printing:

The 1990s marked a significant period for digital color printing. The quality of digital color printing improved, making it a viable alternative to traditional offset printing for shorter print runs.

Indigo, a company founded in 1977, introduced the E-Print 1000 in 1993, which marked a major milestone in digital color printing.

2000s - Digital Printing in Commercial Applications:

Digital printing continued to grow in popularity and found its place in various commercial applications, such as short-run marketing materials, personalized products, and on-demand publishing.

Advances in technology led to improved color accuracy, faster printing speeds, and a wider range of printable substrates.

2010s - Integration of Variable Data Printing:

Variable Data Printing (VDP) became an integral part of digital printing during this decade. VDP allows for customization of printed materials, such as personalized direct mail or marketing collateral.

Present and Beyond - Continued Technological Advancements:

The digital printing industry continues to evolve with advancements in areas such as 3D printing, textile printing, and industrial applications.

New ink formulations, improved printhead technology, and more efficient production workflows contribute to the expansion of digital printing's capabilities.

Overall, the history of digital printing reflects a progression from basic dot matrix technology to high-quality, versatile, and customizable printing solutions that are widely used in various industries today.