Drupa has long been considered the bell whether of the industry. When the industry is going to shift direction it usually happens at Drupa. The last show in 1995 was all about computer-to-plate technology and then some.

All sorts of predictions were made about how the industry was going to dramatically change direction again. Things, it was said, were going to change so much that by the next Drupa it would not even be the same industry.

It turns out that the big change at Drupa this time was no change. Nothing dramatic happened. Yes, there were plenty of product announcements, press conferences and new equipment launches, but no big changes.

The best description I have heard about Drupa was: “it was an evolutionary show not a revolutionary one.” And that is one of the best things to happen to printing in a long time. Instead of worrying about the industry turning upside down in the next couple of years one can concentrate on building business. The return of stability to the technology front has made long-term planning a lot more practical.

This might help explain some of the record sales of exhibitors this year. A strong North American economy also helped. Another interesting development at Drupa was the undermining of the idea that technology is bringing everything together. The opposite is happening; the industry seem to be fragmenting.

There appear to be more choices or directions than before. In computer-to-plate we now have thermal, processless, visible light, violet diode and conventional plates. Offset presses, predicted to be on the endangered list, saw a number of new models with a couple of new players entering the arena. Both Ryobi and Hamada displayed new four- and five-colour presses that were real printing presses, not oversized duplicators with computer controls and aqueous coaters. Heidelberg introduced the Printmaster PM 74 aimed at the mid-market. MAN Roland introduced the four-colour 200E unitized press also aimed at the mid-market.

It turns out that the big change at Durpa this time was no change

Direct imaging or DI presses were in abundance with about 13 models at the show. Though some were me-too products, the reality is DI presses have come into their own.

Variable imaging presses have also become a market reality. There were more model and price variances than ever before. Quality has improved and consumable costs are starting to come down. It is amazing what competition does. Heidelberg and Kodak introduced the NexPress which won’t have click charges when installations begin in about a year.

When it comes to bindery equipment, automation and simplification were the main trends. You also got to see specialty equipment such as machines for perfing stamps or punching braille sheets.

More than anything Drupa definitely dispelled the myth that the printed word is dying. There are now more ways to create the printed word than ever before. Whether it’s offset, flexo, inkjet toner or printed on a sheetfed, web, direct imaging or variable imaging press, the graphic arts industry showed it was alive and healthy at Drupa.