Commit to Print 2025 Podcasts Archives - Graphco

Foliant’s Vega 530 Brings More Speed and Format Flexibility to Digital Print Finishing

Dan Cerrato — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:10:40 +0000

In a recent episode of Commit to Print, Graphco President Chris Manley shared a quick update on what’s new with Foliant, including the release of the Vega 530.

For years, the Vega 400 has been a strong fit for digital print applications. Now, the Vega 530 expands on that success by giving printers access to a larger format and even faster throughput.

As Chris explained, the Vega 530 extends capability to 21 inches wide by up to 40 inches deep, making it a strong match for HP Indigo environments as well as a wide range of commercial print applications.

Speed is another big part of the story. On a digital size sheet, the Vega 400 runs at about 2,300 sheets per hour, while the Vega 530 pushes past 3,500 sheets per hour. That kind of jump gives digital printers a way to keep lamination from becoming a bottleneck.

The opportunity here is straightforward. Printers serving the digital market need finishing equipment that can keep pace with production demands, and the Vega 530 is built to do exactly that.

It is already gaining traction, too. As Chris noted in the conversation, Graphco has already sold several units, with more in the pipeline.

For digital printers looking for more speed, more sheet size flexibility, and a better fit for today’s production environment, the Vega 530 is a development worth watching.

The post Foliant’s Vega 530 Brings More Speed and Format Flexibility to Digital Print Finishing appeared first on Graphco.

Convergence in Action: Packaging Solutions from The RMGT 970PX with Chris Manley

Dan Cerrato — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:41:34 +0000

In this episode of Commit to Print, powered by Graphco, we sit down with Graphco President Chris Manley to discuss a significant development for printers navigating the growing convergence of commercial and packaging work.

As customer demands evolve, printers are being asked to do more with every press investment. In response, RMGT has expanded its proven 9 Series platform with the introduction of the RMGT 970PX, a press designed to bridge commercial offset and folding carton production without compromise.

Convergence in Action: The RMGT 970PX

The RMGT 970PX runs a 25" x 38" sheet and supports board stocks up to 31-point, covering roughly 99 percent of folding carton applications. This capability allows both commercial printers and packaging producers to take on the vast majority of carton work at a significantly lower total manufacturing cost than a traditional 41-inch offset press or a digital alternative.

As Chris explains, convergence is no longer optional. A commercial printer’s next press must be capable of handling packaging when the opportunity arises. The 970PX is designed to do exactly that, operating as a high-performance commercial press most days of the week while transitioning seamlessly to heavy board and carton production as needed. The result is higher press utilization, greater flexibility, and improved return on investment.

Mark-Free Handling, LED Curing, and Profitability

The 970PX also delivers the sheet handling and curing performance required for packaging applications. Mark-free sheet transport protects surface quality, while RMGT’s industry-leading curing options including LED, UV, and hybrid configurations ensure fast turnaround and immediate finishing.

RMGT remains the global leader in LED curing, with more than 1,000 installations worldwide and thousands of RMGT 9 Series presses operating daily. That experience translates into exceptional print quality, low total cost of ownership, ease of operation, and long-term reliability.

For both commercial and packaging printers, the RMGT 970PX represents a practical path forward. It is a press built to support convergence, reduce production costs, and help printers earn more profit on every folding carton job they produce.

The post Convergence in Action: Packaging Solutions from The RMGT 970PX with Chris Manley appeared first on Graphco.

Alex Fechner (Advertisers Printing) – How we are implementing AI

Dan Cerrato — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:44:38 +0000

From Legacy to Leverage: How Printers Are Using AI to Free Up Their Teams

In this episode of Commit to Print, powered by Graphco, we sit down with Alex Fechner, fourth-generation owner of Advertisers Printing, to explore how a legacy print business is approaching AI, not as hype, but as a practical operational tool.

With deep roots in commercial print and a clear commitment to the craft, Alex brings a grounded perspective to one of the industry’s most talked-about topics.

Learning First, Deploying with Purpose

Rather than rushing AI tools directly onto the production floor, Advertisers Printing started with leadership.

Alex explains that the company’s leadership team immersed itself in platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other emerging tools first by learning how they work, where they create value, and where they don’t. Only after building internal understanding did they begin rolling AI into sales, project management, and customer-facing roles.

Their goal wasn’t about chasing trends, they wanted to use AI to solve real workflow problems..

AI is being used to eliminate repetitive, mundane tasks to free up employees to spend more time serving customers, solving problems, and adding value where human judgment matters most.

AI on the Show Floor: From Equipment to Workflow Efficiency

At PRINTING United, Alex’s experience reflected a broader shift in the industry. Instead of spending his time focused on presses and finishing equipment, most sessions centered on AI. It was a lot to take in, but full of opportunity.

Across those sessions, Alex encountered tools designed to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency. One example stood out: software that automatically adds bleed to incoming files.

Customers upload artwork, the system detects missing bleed, corrects the file, and routes it forward without manual prepress intervention or back-and-forth communication. As a result, prepress teams can focus on more complex work rather than routine fixes. It is not about replacing people. It is about using expertise where it matters most.

Building AI Stacks, Not Silver Bullets

One of Alex’s most practical insights was the idea of AI stacks: combining multiple tools into a single workflow that checks files, makes corrections, and prepares jobs automatically before they ever reach production.

Used thoughtfully, these systems reduce overtime pressure, eliminate avoidable delays, and create more predictable throughput, all without sacrificing quality.

A Clear Theme: AI as an Operational Advantage

Alex’s perspective reinforces a growing truth in the industry: AI delivers the most value when it’s applied intentionally to real operational pain points.

For printers committed to the future, the opportunity isn’t chasing every new tool, it’s using AI to remove friction, empower teams, and keep print businesses moving faster and smarter.

The post Alex Fechner (Advertisers Printing) – How we are implementing AI appeared first on Graphco.

AI in Print: From Buzz to Practical Application: A Conversation with Denise

jesikieler — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:39:33 +0000

AI in Print: From Buzz to Practical Application

In this episode of Commit to Print, Graphco welcomes back Denise Gustavson, Editorial Director of Media Brands for Printing United Alliance, for a candid conversation about the real state of AI adoption inside today’s print shops.

AI is one of the most talked-about topics across the industry right now but according to Denise, much of that conversation is still happening at the surface level.

A Lot of Talk, Not a Lot of Real Use Yet

Denise explains that while many products now highlight AI features, most commercial printers are still unsure how to use it day-to-day inside their operations. She compares the current moment to “standing on the edge of the dance floor”—lots of curiosity, but hesitation to step fully into real-world implementation.

Some printers are protecting their competitive “secret sauce.” Others simply aren’t sure where to begin.

A Real-World AI Use Case That Worked

One standout example Denise shares comes from a wide-format sign shop buried under estimating requests. When a major RFP with a tight two-day deadline came in for a $250,000 project, the estimator used AI to analyze the specs and generate multiple quote options.

The result?

Three pricing scenarios came back within $30,000 of the estimator’s original expectations, helping him turn around a high-value proposal in a fraction of the normal time.

Where AI Still Needs to Prove Itself

Despite promising examples, Denise emphasizes that trial and error is still the norm. Printers want to understand:

What AI does well
What it gets wrong
How to trust outputs before business decisions are made

Right now, it’s a mix of experimentation and observation but adoption is coming.

Watching the Next Phase of AI in Print

Denise and the Printing United Alliance media brands will continue tracking how AI moves from conversation to concrete production value. For now, the industry is in its learning phase but momentum is building.

The post AI in Print: From Buzz to Practical Application: A Conversation with Denise appeared first on Graphco.

What’s Happening with AI?: A Conversation with Ashley Roberts

jesikieler — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:36:56 +0000

In this new episode of Commit to Print, we sit down with Ashley Roberts, Content Director for Printing Impressions, to explore how automation, especially in finishing, is reshaping production for print providers.

As labor shortages continue and customer turnaround expectations rise, automation is moving from a helpful upgrade to a strategic necessity. Ashley breaks down what she’s seeing across the show floor and inside print shops nationwide.

Where Automation Is Making the Biggest Impact

Ashley highlights a noticeable shift this year: exhibitors are showcasing more finishing partners, more integrated systems, and more robotics designed to reduce manual labor and accelerate throughput.

For many shops, finishing remains the most labor-intensive part of production. That’s why automated finishing solutions, robotic handling, automated trimming, collaborative systems, are becoming some of the most in-demand tools on the floor.

She also shares a key insight: printers often invest in new “heavy metal” equipment without fully considering the finishing bottlenecks that follow. Her advice? Think finishing first. It’s the part of the workflow most ripe for automation—and the most critical for achieving real operational gains.

Why Automation Matters More Than Ever

Automation isn’t just about speed or waste reduction anymore. It’s about filling essential roles, keeping production consistent, and enabling shops to take on more work without increasing headcount.

With robotics now readily available and finishing partners providing turnkey automation workflows, printers have more opportunities than ever to streamline production and stay ahead of customer demands.

The post What’s Happening with AI?: A Conversation with Ashley Roberts appeared first on Graphco.

How PRINTING United Alliance Serves the Industry: A Conversation with Chris Curran

jesikieler — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:59:33 +0000

In this new episode of Commit to Print, Graphco hosts Printing United Alliance Group President Chris Curran for an inside look at how industry events are evolving and why they still matter so much for today’s print providers.

As the leader responsible for all PRINTING United media, content, and events, Chris offers a clear breakdown of how both large-scale expos and intimate micro-events are transforming the way printers learn, connect, and make purchasing decisions.

How PRINTING United Is Transforming the Event Experience

Chris explains the Alliance’s dual-track approach: massive, hands-on expos where attendees can see equipment running live, and smaller, education-driven micro-events built for targeted conversations.

At the micro events, attendees move through rapid-fire, pre-aligned meetings and deep-dive education sessions, a format designed for focused learning and strategic connections. In contrast, PRINTING United’s macro show brings the entire industry under one roof, delivering live demos, real applications, and the energy of a packed trade-show floor.

This year’s show reflects that shift in a big way. Attendance is up by double digits, exhibitor engagement is higher than ever, and Chris notes that the aisles are “teeming with people” the most crowded he’s seen since the early 2000s.

Why In-Person Engagement Still Matters

Even with digital communication at an all-time high, printers continue to prioritize live events. Chris describes PRINTING United as the “ultimate form of social media” a place where people connect face-to-face, handle real samples, compare technologies, and experience equipment in motion.

For print providers evaluating new investments or exploring new applications, these shows remain the most efficient way to see everything happening across the industry at once.

The post How PRINTING United Alliance Serves the Industry: A Conversation with Chris Curran appeared first on Graphco.

Packaging, Signage & New Profit Paths: A Conversation with Chris Manley

Dan Cerrato — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:59:03 +0000

In this new episode of Commit to Print, Graphco President Chris Manley shares a clear and practical look at how convergence is reshaping the printing industry. As shops continue searching for new revenue streams and stronger margins, convergence has become a central theme at events like PRINTING United and Chris breaks down what it really means for today’s print providers.

Where Convergence Is Creating New Opportunity

Chris sees more commercial printers stepping into packaging, especially with compact folding and gluing solutions that make straight-line boxes, pop-ups, and specialty formats far easier to produce. This shift is one reason Graphco began importing the SD-Italy Augusta F150R Pro, a versatile CNC routing and fabrication system designed to help commercial shops expand beyond traditional print.

But the biggest surge of interest is happening in wide format and dimensional signage. With equipment that automates tasks like routing, cutting, and even stud welding, printers can now create complex, three-part signs and fabricated structures with impressive consistency and speed. For shops already serving these customers, these high-value applications offer margins far stronger than what most see in traditional offset.

Why Convergence Matters

By leveraging existing relationships and built-in customer demand, printers can add profitable new applications without dramatically increasing labor or overhead. It’s a practical, sustainable way to expand capabilities — and Chris explains how shops of all sizes can take advantage of it.

The post Packaging, Signage & New Profit Paths: A Conversation with Chris Manley appeared first on Graphco.