Dr. Peter Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at technology development consultancy 42 Technology (42T), delivered an insightful and practical presentation at FuturePrint, addressing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), data, and emerging technologies in print and packaging production. His talk combined a grounded perspective on the realities of AI in manufacturing with innovative solutions for challenges in the industry.
Brown began by tempering the hype around AI, emphasizing that it is not a universal solution. He described AI as “the cherry on top of the icing on the cake,” capable of delivering impressive results only when foundational elements are in place. These fundamentals, he argued, start with high-quality, structured, and relevant data. Without this, AI efforts are futile—a point encapsulated by the adage “garbage in, garbage out.” Drawing on 42T’s extensive experience across diverse manufacturing sectors, Brown shared a case study of a safety-critical product manufacturer with a 60% first-pass yield. Despite its critical nature, the company relied on handwritten, inconsistently scanned, or overwritten data, leaving no trace of failed products or rework processes. This example highlighted the widespread issue of poor data management in manufacturing, which renders AI ineffective and unnecessary in many cases.
Rather than rushing to implement AI, Brown suggested that manufacturers first focus on improving their data practices and leveraging conventional analytical tools. He introduced a conceptual “staircase” of process understanding, starting with simple equations, progressing through spreadsheets and modeling, and culminating in AI. Each step requires increasingly robust data. Manufacturers need to ensure their data is accurate, consistent, and relevant before considering AI solutions. In many cases, Brown noted, simpler tools can deliver significant improvements without the complexity and cost of AI.
Despite this caution, Brown acknowledged the potential of AI when the right conditions are met. 42T has partnered with Fujitsu to bring advanced AI tools to its clients for product development and industrial analytics. However, Brown stressed that these tools should only be deployed after establishing a solid data foundation.
Brown then shifted focus to a groundbreaking innovation in print production: RF (radio frequency) drying technology for aqueous inks. As water-based inks gain traction due to their safety and sustainability benefits, the challenge of drying them efficiently has become a significant barrier. Traditional drying methods are energy-intensive and often require costly infrastructure upgrades. Brown unveiled 42T’s RF drying system, which dramatically reduces energy consumption while effectively evaporating water from substrates. Live demonstrations showcased ink bubbling and drying without the need for hot air or infrared, highlighting the system’s potential to revolutionize industrial printing economics. This innovation could make water-based inks more viable and sustainable, addressing a critical bottleneck in the industry.
In closing, Brown’s presentation struck a balance between pragmatism and progress. He urged manufacturers to focus on foundational data management and problem-solving rather than rushing to adopt AI. At the same time, he demonstrated the potential for transformative innovation with 42T’s RF drying technology. Brown’s key takeaway was that progress stems from asking the right questions, solving the right problems, and being unafraid to create solutions that don’t yet exist. His talk provided a valuable reality check on AI’s role in manufacturing while showcasing exciting advancements in print production technology.
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