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Print 101: Inkjet

Print 101: Inkjet

Print 101: Inkjet – Episode Summary

In this comprehensive episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew unpack the expansive world of inkjet printing—a transformative technology reshaping the entire industry. From transactional print and signage to ceramic tiles and textile production, inkjet is everywhere. Whether you’re onboarding with a printing industry training program for new employees or exploring digital printing press training, this episode lays a foundational understanding of how and why inkjet is such a powerful disruptor.

The episode explores industrial and production inkjet systems, diving into drop formation, scanning vs. single-pass heads, substrate handling, and ink chemistry (aqueous, UV, solvent). Inkjet is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it requires pairing specific inks, heads, and media to the application, whether that’s direct mail, books, signage, flexible packaging, or even building wraps.

Pat and Ryan also highlight the shift from business color to high-res, vibrant imagery, thanks to innovations in droplet size, image resolution, and ink formulation. They touch on fast-growing segments like digitally printed textiles and sustainable fashion, as well as the expanded use of hybrid platforms combining offset or flexo with inkjet for versioned print. The conversation closes with cost modeling—highlighting that while inkjet typically avoids click charges, it introduces new considerations like flush cycles, ink waste, and maintenance.

Whether you’re in publishing, packaging, or decor, inkjet offers nearly unlimited versatility—so long as you match the tech to your business model and application needs.

You Will Learn:

  • Fundamentals of inkjet printing: heads, inks, substrates, and transport

  • Key applications: books, signage, textiles, ceramics, packaging

  • Industrial vs. production inkjet and how use cases differ

  • Inkjet’s cost model vs. toner (no click charges, variable ink use)

  • Why inkjet is disrupting legacy analog processes and driving digital transformation

Who This Course Is For:

Press operators, print buyers, production managers, application engineers, and anyone exploring digital printing press training or outsourced training for print production staff

Time to Watch:

Approx. 22 minutes