Dave Gray of Dantex delivered a compelling and thought-provoking presentation at FuturePrint, challenging the industrial print sector to rethink its approach to digital press design, sustainability, and innovation. He emphasized the importance of modularity, sustainability, and leveraging legacy knowledge to drive the industry forward, while also addressing generational divides and the role of technology in shaping the future of print.
Gray opened by highlighting the significance of the subject over the speaker, setting the tone for a presentation that questioned industry norms. He drew an analogy between inkjet press manufacturing and cooking, noting that while all manufacturers use the same basic components—printheads, motors, and electronics—the quality and innovation lie in how these parts are combined. Some manufacturers produce basic results, akin to a simple omelette, while Dantex aims for a more sophisticated outcome, like a soufflé. This, he argued, reflects the company’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions rather than generic, one-size-fits-all systems.
A key theme of Gray’s talk was the importance of modularity. Many press manufacturers offer standardized solutions that fail to fully meet the diverse needs of their customers. Dantex, however, takes a different approach, allowing clients to combine subcomponents to create systems that align with their specific production requirements. This modular strategy, he explained, strikes a balance between bespoke solutions and off-the-shelf products. Gray also underscored the critical role of in-house software development in enabling this customization. By focusing on the end product rather than the machine itself, Dantex can tailor press performance to the exact needs of the customer, enhancing efficiency and output quality.
Sustainability was another cornerstone of Gray’s presentation. While much of the industry’s sustainability discourse centers on the recyclability of printed materials, Gray urged a broader focus that includes the sustainability of the press hardware itself. He pointed out that modern engineering and software advancements now enable manufacturers to extend the lifespan of presses far beyond traditional expectations. This shift, he argued, is beneficial for both manufacturers and customers. By prolonging the life of a press, the total cost of ownership decreases, return on investment increases, and advanced digital presses become more accessible to a wider range of businesses. For example, amortizing the cost of a press over ten years instead of four significantly improves affordability.
Gray also addressed the generational divide in sustainability discussions, particularly the role of the Baby Boomer generation. Often criticized for their environmental impact, Baby Boomers, Gray noted, still wield significant influence in terms of buying power, experience, and leadership. He cautioned against dismissing their contributions, emphasizing that their knowledge of analogue print serves as the foundation for digital advancements. This legacy, he argued, is crucial for driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.
The presentation also touched on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the print sector. Gray challenged the notion of AI as a source of innovation, describing it as a tool for intelligence rather than a driver of creativity. He explained that AI’s effectiveness depends on the quality of the data it processes. Fortunately, Dantex benefits from decades of metadata from its analogue customer base, providing a robust foundation for developing smarter, more intuitive digital systems. Gray also highlighted the growing involvement of gamers in software development, noting their ability to harness AI and machine learning to enhance press performance and operator experience. This convergence of gaming and industrial print, he suggested, represents a new frontier for innovation.
At its core, Dantex’s philosophy revolves around convergence—of technology, generations, and print disciplines. Whether customers require inline varnishing, hybrid finishing, or straightforward digital output, the company’s platform is designed to adapt to their evolving needs. This adaptability is powered by data, experience, and modular design, ensuring that Dantex remains at the forefront of the industry.
Gray concluded his presentation with a statement that encapsulated his ethos: “Even though we’re passionate about the machines we build, what we’re most proud of is what they produce. We are labels. And we’re proud of it.” This sentiment reflects Dantex’s commitment to delivering not just advanced printing technology, but also the tangible products that drive value for their customers.
In summary, Dave Gray’s presentation at FuturePrint was a call to action for the industrial print sector to embrace modularity, prioritize sustainability, and leverage legacy knowledge and cutting-edge technology to shape the future of print. By challenging conventional thinking and fostering convergence across disciplines, Dantex aims to lead the industry toward more innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused solutions.
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