Digital printing of beverage cans: never say never

摘要

I began investigating the use of digital printing on beverage cans in mid-1999.I still believe digital printing could find its way into mainstream canmaking through one of the same three avenues I pondered back then - namely speciality cans, a business paradigm shift, or a technology breakthrough. Digitally-printed speciality applications have historically been the potential niche assigned to beverage cans. Until recently the exact definition of speciality possibilities has mostly centred upon promotions, custom event printing, competitions and the like. These days, however, the notion of speciality cans is gravitating toward premium products, with a distinct emphasis on product differentiation. With all things equal, there are digital effects available for beverage cans that are problematic, if not downright impossible with traditional dry offset printing. This is the area where we all likely agree that digital is currently heading.