You will recall in our last newsletter, we talked about the soon to be released Memjet product. At the time, we were sworn to secrecy about this technology through non-disclosure agreements with two manufacturers. Now that both systems have been publicly released, we can start filling you in with details about this exciting new technology!
At the FESPA show in London last month, three of the top manufacturers of Memjet based wide format printers showed their offerings. The two leading contenders at the FESPA show were Xerox and RTI. Both now produce a print engine utilizing the Memjet technology.
Oce' also demonstrated their Memjet machine at the show. However, word on the street is that their machine will be released no sooner than the end of this year. It is also understood that Oce's system will not be sold through the dealer channel. So that removes our interest in Oce' for this product.
From all reports, the new technology was eagerly embraced at the FESPA show. In particular, decision makers from high production wide format print shops were enthusiastic about the Memjet printers and what they can do. Some decision makers from Europe and the Middle East were so impressed by this technology, that they signed orders for equipment on the show floor!
We have heard about companies in Europe using the new Memjet printer who are now printing in four hours what it formerly took two shifts to produce.
Understand, this system comes at a premium price. There are also certain limitations on print quality you will need to fully understand. In the right printing environment, this technology promises to be a game changer.
This first Memjet product may not make any of us wildly rich. Yet it will offer an opportunity to enter into new markets. To my mind, that is exactly what our industry needs right now. Also, the revenue stream from these systems will be far more lucrative than what we have come to expect from traditional ink jet systems.
I am passionate about assisting this industry in remaining vibrant. Branching into new products and industries is one way to achieve that end. In the future, count on Evergreen to look for other new products you can offer.
Share your thoughts with me and I will have the Mad Doctor send you one of his new Aquatic Light Shows. Write me at nutsandbolts@goevergreen.net
- Carl Byrne
For more information about the Memjet technology, follow this link to Memjet
