Though Presstek did not reveal the names of the buyers, Mark Sullivan, group product director for Digital Printing, told PrintWeek, the new press is filling a sweet spot for short-run fast turnaround printing. "At Presstek we believe that runs less than 500 are best produced on a toner device and runs over 20,000 are best produced on a conventional offset press," Sullivan said. "However, the majority of runs today fall in this gap between 500 and 20,000 and this is precisely the area where DI digital offset presses excel."

The 75DI is a highly automated 29in digital offset press that can be provided in four- to 10-color configurations and includes an inline aqueous coater. It also features support for 300lpi and FM screening, six-minute job-to-job turnaround - including on-press plate imaging -and prints up to 16,000 six-up sheets or 96,000 letter-sized pages per hour.

Though the 75DI has attracted some interest from commercial packaging printers, Sullivan said the bulk of the sales thus far have been to traditional commercial printers. "The applications have run the gamut, including cards, envelopes, brochures, direct mail, newsletters, book covers, posters, calendars, as well as folding cartons," he added. "The precise registration and fast drying waterless printing technique of DI presses also enables printing on a full range of substrates including plastics, synthetic papers, coated and uncoated stock, recycled stocks, and more."

Sullivan suggested the changing needs of packaging companies will eventually lead to sales in that channel as well, as more brands look to augment their packages with seasonal messaging, on-package offers and multiple language editions.

"The ability to print a wide range of inks, including vegetable-based varieties and protective varnishes make DI presses well suited to meet many of the printing needs of packaging customers," he said.