99 Problems

"If you’re having print problems I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems and inkjet ain’t one." Jay-Z (substituted some words to get past the censors/editor.)

Yes, print has some problems right now. Like getting something to actually print on. As Pat McGrew M-edp details, this is not an inkjet problem, it's more or less an every printer everywhere problem. The more specialized the fiber-based substrate, the more challenging it will be to find. The only companies printing on paper that are not having much trouble have a backlog of inventory or reduced customer demand. Those are both problems, not a solutions.

It's not looking like there is any relief in site, and we may not see supply stability unless some industry associations or peer groups pull together the funding to buy up some of the mills that are closing. Any takers?

Meanwhile, inkjet continues to move and shake and print on all kinds of things besides paper. Ralf Schlozer provides a deep dive into a new Powerdrop process from Archipelago Technology with applications in furniture, industrial coating, packaging and even agricultural coating. It's definitely not the usual inkjet!

Do you want to create something new and useful for your customers? Dan Adams says think OSUM! In his latest innovation video, Dan recommends a focus on customer outcomes. If you are an integrator, learning what customers are struggling with might lead to a solution involving inkjet for dispensing substances onto a plot when growing crops (hello Powerdrop.) Stranger things have happened.

Have a problem we can help with? Let's connect, or drop a note to the team at Inkjet Insight.

Elizabeth

P.S. Of course Jay-Z doesn't have "girl problems," he's married to Beyoncé.

P.P.S I like the HUGO version of the song better.