TAGA Presents Videos

TAGA Presents features top industry thinkers giving you insights into technology breakthroughs and impacts in printing, graphic communications, and related fields. Our March, 2021 event examined developments in sustainable packaging, color matching across processes, mining big data from MIS solutions, and the state of printed electronics.

For over 70 years, the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA), now part of PRINTING United Alliance, has been a worldwide forum to disseminate information on technology research and innovation. While the method of dissemination has changed to include virtual events such as TAGA Presents, the mission remains unchanged. Later this year TAGA will publish its 73rd TAGA Proceedings containing 30 original research and innovation papers. Video presentations of those papers will be available to members. The next TAGA Annual Technical Conference is scheduled March 13-15, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA.

Learn more about TAGA and becoming a member.

July 13, 2021

The Evolution of Digital Textile Printing
Michael Sanders, Director of Printable Textiles and Finishing Technology, TVF

What was once a novelty has become the future of textile printing. Developments in the speed and flexibility of all types of digital printing, along with associated ink technologies, are causing a restructuring of the global supply chain. The benefits are enticing—better resource efficiency, production agility, and sustainability. This review examines state-of-the-art technology, the impact of fabric type, obstacles and accelerants to growth, and new business opportunities.

How the Pandemic Changed the Industry
Sean Smyth, Print and Packaging Consultant, and David Zwang, Principal Consultant, Zwang & Company

There is widespread agreement that some aspects of business have been forever changed by the pandemic. What does the “new normal” in the print business look like? Two leading observers of our industry, representing both North American and European perspectives, offer at least 10 permanent changes wrought by COVID, from virtual press OKs to Cloud-based MIS systems. Find out how companies reimagined their operations as a result of the pandemic.

Full video

July 27, 2021

Speed Wins: Uniting Technology and Culture to Capture Market Share
Scott Evans, President and CEO, Kenmore Envelope

The combination of astute technology strategy, a people-first culture, and disciplined business planning can bring success even in slow growth markets, as Kenmore has proven. Its belief that “speed wins” was integral to its investment of many million dollars’ worth of new technology since 2019. Automated equipment and workflow have shortened lead time for its high-end litho-printed envelopes, providing a competitive edge that has drawn new clients. This case study examines Kenmore’s technology approach, along with its collaborative culture that contributes to successful implementation.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Printing Industry
Robert Joseph, President, Team MindShift

“Can machines think?” That question asked by mathematician Alan Turing in 1950 set in motion the drive for artificial intelligence (AI). Today smart machines are capable of not only performing tasks like evaluating color that typically require human intelligence, they can also perform those tasks better over time. We’ll examine what AI is and how it will increasingly change process efficiency in the print industry. What are the challenges and benefits that come with using AI to amplify human intelligence? A computer and data scientist helps us prepare for the future.

Full video

March 11, 2021

Re-Thinking Packaging as a Sustainable Profit Center
Kelly Williams, Sustainability Strategist, Futamura Group/NatureFlex Films

There is so much talk these days about “sustainability” and the “circular economy” that many are starting to wonder what that means, exactly. There are large forces to keep status quo of pumping millions of tons of plastic into packaging and relying on hopes and prayers that it can be collected and repurposed downstream. This presentation gives context to the facts regarding single-use packaging and will dissect the circular economy, followed by the solution to the problem. The solution is inside a single truth that packaging has never been a cost center; it is every bit an unrecognized profit center. In fact, it is a physical form of social media.

How Today’s Reporting Has Become an Intelligent Management Tool to Drive Change
Geert Van Damme, Managing Director, CERM

As the keeper of all-important data in a printing company, management Information systems have always been reporting values like inventory, work in progress, and profitability. But with the evolution of data technology, today’s business intelligence tools allow us to analyze trends and evaluate the result of decisions. In this presentation, we show insightful examples and discuss how they can help your company to increase productivity and profitability. We explain how it works and how you can set up such tools for yourself.

Full video

Kelly Williams, Sustainability Strategist, Futamura Group/NatureFlex Films
Presentation File PDF

Geert Van Damme, Managing Director, CERM
Presentation File PDF

March 23, 2021

What Can You Really Expect from a Color Match Between Processes?
Jan Michael Lemieux, Manager, Pre-Sales Solutions Support, Canon Solutions America, Inc.;
Steve Upton, President, CHROMiX

Color management has improved significantly over the last ten years, democratizing the process and making it much easier to maintain the color when achieved. The G7 process has helped significantly in this and is now internationally accepted. However, limitations remain on what is possible when attempting to match colors between highly disparate systems. A pair of color management experts explain the tools and methods that can be leveraged to obtain the best possible match between toner-based digital, inkjet, offset, and flexography, and where design expectations come into play. Given their experience in the field, they’ll also provide guidance on having realistic expectations.

Printed and Hybrid Electronics: Mounting Applications and Technology Breakthroughs
David Savastano, Editor, Printed Electronics Now and Ink World Magazine, Rodman Publishing

A decade ago, there was a lot of hype about printed electronics that proved to be premature. However, the good news is that there are new applications emerging. Today, printed electronics covers smart packaging and labels, sensors and wearables, solar cells, displays and lighting, batteries, medical devices, military equipment, and much more. Significant is the development of flexible hybrid electronics, combining traditional semiconductor-based electronics with elements of printing. How are technology and demand changing? A long-time observer of the printed electronics sector delivers a status report.