We continually talk about using the right papers for the print expectations and not just focusing on the paper price. Few really utilize their high-speed inkjet equipment to its fullest print quality potential. So, it really gets me excited to see a printing company that focuses on print quality and chooses the proper papers that can provide the image quality for which the inkjet device was manufactured.
Recently I had the pleasure working with a company focused on doing just that.
Documation, in Eau Claire, WI, specializing in graphic design, Web-to-print storefront solutions, printing, as well as full-service bindery and mail services. But what Documation does exceptionally well...they have taken high-speed aqueous pigment inkjet to a whole new level.
I got to know the talented Documation team when I was helping them with color profiles on various inkjet treated and coated papers. Their passion to use their inkjet machine to its fullest capability was evident by the high coverage and high-fidelity images they were attempting to print. But, they were struggling with drying, curl and cockle issues on the papers they were using.
As with most companies that integrate inkjet into their shops, there is little understanding on how coverage of the aqueous ink truly affects different types of paper. Documentation was no different. After my “Inkjet is different,” “printing with ‘Kool-Aid’ ” talk, they knew that finding the right papers and ink coverage/volume combination was critical to their success and to the needs of their customers. Seeing that the treated and coated inkjet grades needed for their coverage and color fidelity was more expensive than using uncoated, they decided to develop a new direction for success.
Using a high-speed HP T-Series aqueous pigment machine, they have targeted customers who place high value on image and print quality, and not just cost. Focusing on G7 targeted image quality and using the right color profiles and paper, they are able to produce offset-quality printing. Documation is achieving inkjet printing excellence by using the correct papers for the graphics, image quality and coverage that best suits the piece. “People pay for excellence, and we are delivering just that,” said Martin Aalsma, VP of operations for Documation.
Click on the image below to view an example printed by Documation:
Great job to the Documation team—you “GET IT.”
As I have said many times, focusing on the right ink and paper combination will set you apart from others. Are you utilizing your production inkjet press to its fullest potential?