Linemark Printing Invests in Canon Sheetfed Inkjet
Convinced high-value inkjet opportunities will keep expanding, Linemark Press invested in a Canon varioPRINT iX-series and shifted work there from their offset presses. Now, with its “unbeatable” color, “bulletproof” consistency, ability to “run on paper right off the shelf,” and “phenomenal” uptime, they’re confidently pursuing and winning those opportunities.
Revolutionizing the Print Shop: How Linemark Transformed with Canon Digital Inkjet
In the ever-evolving world of commercial printing, the ability to adapt to new technologies is often the difference between stagnation and growth. Linemark Printing, a staple in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, since 1985, is a prime example of a company that has successfully navigated these shifts.
From its humble beginnings as a two-color commercial printer to its current status as a high-volume digital powerhouse, Linemark has consistently looked toward the future. By partnering with Canon and implementing the varioPRINT iX3200, Linemark has achieved a new standard of quality, cost-efficiency, and operational flexibility.
Bridging the Quality and Cost Gap
For years, Linemark relied on traditional offset presses for high-quality, high-volume color work. While earlier inkjet technologies offered a lower-cost solution, they often came at the expense of print quality—a compromise that Linemark was unwilling to make for its clients.
Linemark needed technology that could:
Match Offset Quality: Deliver the vivid images and high line screens that their clients, particularly in the custom book and newsletter markets, had come to expect.
Lower Production Costs: Eliminate the complex setup and labor-intensive processes associated with offset printing and older toner-based machines.
Enhance Substrate Versatility: Print on a wide variety of papers "off the shelf" without the need for expensive specialty coatings.
The Canon varioPRINT iX3200
The turning point for Linemark came with the implementation of the Canon varioPRINT iX3200. This cutsheet inkjet press provided the high-quality solution Linemark had been waiting for.
Superior Color Calibration
One of the most impressive features of the varioPRINT iX3200 is its consistency. Melissa Bond, Senior Account Executive, notes that the machine's color calibrates perfectly to match their conventional offset presses. This reliability ensures that a job printed today will look identical to a reorder printed next month—a feat that was nearly impossible with previous digital or offset workflows.Streamlined Workflow for Direct Mail
Before the varioPRINT iX3200, Linemark’s direct mail work often required a two-step process: printing "shells" on an offset press and then imprinting variable data on a monochrome machine. Now, the entire project is completed in a single pass, helping to significantly reduce turnaround times and labor costs.Substrate Flexibility
The varioPRINT iX3200’s ability to run a vast range of paper stocks—from standard uncoated sheets to heavy coated stocks—without the need for pretreatment has been a sizable benefit. This flexibility allows Linemark to pre-load substrates and run various jobs seamlessly, helping to maximize productivity on the floor.
Extended Growth and Reliability
The implementation of Canon technology has yielded transformative results for Linemark:
- Expanded Market Reach: The varioPRINT iX3200 has opened new markets for Linemark, particularly in short-to-mid-run custom books (photo books, self-published works, and children's books) with quantities ranging from 1 to 5,000.
- Maximized Productivity: Linemark quickly moved from running a single shift on the varioPRINT iX3200 to running two shifts, five days a week, thanks to the machine's exceptional uptime and reliability.
- Seamless Installation and Training: The Linemark team has praised the "bulletproof" installation process, noting that the Canon team had the machine staged and running within just two days. Comprehensive training ensured that operators and managers were ready to hit the ground running from day one.
- Better Cost-to-Quality Ratio: The cost of running the varioPRINT iX3200 is significantly lower than Linemark’s previous toner-based machines, all while delivering superior quality that rivals traditional offset.
A Partnership for Long-Term Success
By integrating the varioPRINT iX3200 into their facility, Linemark Printing has effectively future-proofed its business. They have successfully combined the high-end quality of offset with the speed and agility of digital inkjet, allowing them to meet the diverse and growing demands of their clients with confidence.
Interested in learning how Canon production printing technology can help your business grow? Contact us today to explore our workflow solutions and high-speed digital presses.