Bottom Line Coexistence: Combining Flexo and Digital for Value, Profitability

"If you want your business to still be around five years from now you have to get into digital," affirms Smith. "It's become part of the bidding process."

This demand for digital puts pressure on conventional press owners. The challenge is that their flexo machines are not at their best for short runs. Set up and changeover times, plate costs, and ink and substrate waste make it difficult to remain profitable on many short runs. Although the toner and inkjet inks used for digital printing can be much more expensive than conventional inks, the elimination or reduction of those other costs make digital presses a natural fit for short runs. "Those savings amount to significant differences in overall costs," notes Heinl, " and they drop right to the bottom line."