Is Production Inkjet Finally Within Reach?

For years, production inkjet printing has been seen as a powerful yet out-of-reach technology for many small and mid-sized print providers. High equipment costs, large footprints, and the belief that inkjet was only viable for high-volume operations created significant barriers to entry. But a recent report from NAPCO Research, “Inkjet for All! How the TASKalfa Pro 15000c is Breaking Entry Barriers to Production Inkjet Adoption,” suggests that these dynamics are starting to shift.

The report blends quantitative data from NAPCO Research’s commercial print surveys with qualitative insights from print service providers who have adopted entry-level sheetfed inkjet. It offers a grounded look at how inkjet is evolving, not just as a production technology but as a more accessible option for a broader range of print businesses.

Understanding the Barriers to Inkjet Investment

According to the research, key obstacles still prevent many print providers from embracing production inkjet. These include:

• The high upfront cost of acquisition and integration
• Concerns about return on investment (ROI)
• Space and infrastructure limitations
• Hesitation over color consistency, workflow adaptation, and training.

However, as sheetfed inkjet options have become more compact and cost-efficient, many of these concerns are being re-evaluated. According to the NAPCO Research study The Production Inkjet Application Revolution, lower per-job costs, reduced labor expenses, and new revenue opportunities are the top benefits of switching to inkjet systems.

A Data-Driven Look at Adoption Trends

One of the strengths of the report is its inclusion of case studies that showcase how organizations are using sheetfed inkjet in real-world environments. From direct mail operations to educational institutions, print providers reported measurable improvements in throughput, reliability, and flexibility when switching from toner-based systems or outsourcing.

In particular, the report documents how smaller operations, previously priced out of the inkjet market, are now leveraging these solutions for both cost savings and competitive differentiation. Notably, users are integrating inkjet into workflows that support variable data printing (VDP), faster turnaround times, and expanded in-house capabilities.

Shifting the Conversation Around Inkjet

While the report focuses on the Kyocera TASKalfa Pro 15000c as a case example, the broader implications are industry wide. The shift toward more affordable, space-efficient, and scalable sheetfed inkjet presses may mark a new phase in inkjet’s evolution, one where accessibility and ROI no longer stand in the way of adoption.

The discussion is not simply about one machine but about the increasing viability of inkjet as a mainstream production technology. For print providers seeking to navigate labor shortages, margin pressure, and rising customer expectations, production inkjet presents a compelling case for both survival and growth.

Takeaway

This report offers useful insight for any printer evaluating technology investments in today’s competitive landscape. It’s not just a product showcase, it’s a window into how the production inkjet conversation is changing, and what it means for the future of print.

Download the full report now and discover how inkjet can work for your operation.