#Japan #printing #Canon #Takashima #Horizon

Transforming the Printing Industry with Automation

The printing industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, facilitated by advanced automation technologies. Canon Production Printing Systems, led by President Katsumi Ueda, is set to host a notable event on June 18, 2026, at the Horizon Innovation Park in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture. This event, titled "Exploring the Future of Printing with varioPRINT iX3200 and Horizon Automation Tools," aims to bridge the gap between traditional printing practices and innovative automated solutions.

The event will feature a keynote presentation by Yasuo Miyamoto, Vice President of Value Machine International, who will discuss the pressing issues within the commercial printing market, such as the limited adoption of digital printing despite its potential. Facing challenges like technology commodification and severe labor shortages, it’s crucial now more than ever to rethink manufacturing approaches within the printing business. Participants will gain insights into how automation can redefine the competitive advantages of digital printing and optimize the entire production process.

Event Highlights

Keynote Session

In the first part of the event, Yasuo Miyamoto will deliver a compelling talk titled "Reassessing the Advantages of Digital Printing Through Automation." This presentation will revisit the benefits of digital printing while discussing total cost evaluations and the future direction of the printing business amidst evolving challenges.

Demonstration of Cutting-Edge Solutions

Moving into the second segment, attendees will be treated to a live demonstration of the varioPRINT iX3200, a high-speed sheet-fed inkjet printer renowned for its remarkable productivity of up to 4,320 pages per minute. The iCE STITCHLINER Mark V, an advanced binding system from Horizon, will be showcased alongside the varioPRINT iX3200 during an inline connection demonstration. This setup enables a seamless transition from printing to binding and cutting in a single pass, showcasing the extraordinary efficiency of modern printing operations.

In addition, the event will also propose diverse applications that enhance workflow productivity, including near-line connections with saddle stitchers and rotary die-cutting systems, using automation tools that significantly streamline operations.

Guided Tour of Horizon Products

Attendees will have the opportunity for a guided tour post-seminar, allowing them to freely explore the various products from Horizon. This includes a paper folding and palletizing system integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), along with an array of binding systems designed for saddle stitching and wireless binding, and other advanced machinery that caters to a broad range of applications.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: June 18, 2026, from 12:50 PM to 3:40 PM (Registration starts at 12:00 PM)
• - Schedule:

- Registration/Lunch: 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
- Seminar: 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
- Equipment Demonstration: 2:00 PM - 3:10 PM
- Free Viewing Time: 3:10 PM - 3:40 PM

• - Venue: Horizon Innovation Park, located within the headquarters of Horizon Corporation in the Biwako Factory, Takashima City.
• - Access:

- By Train: Take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu Station, followed by a 10-minute shuttle bus or taxi ride.
- By Car: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kyoto East IC via Route 161 bypass.

• - Cost: Free of charge
• - Capacity: Limited to 45 participants (first-come-first-served basis)
• - Registration: Please sign up on the event page here.
• - Note: Registrations from competing companies may be declined.

About the varioPRINT iX3200

The varioPRINT iX3200 is a cutting-edge sheet-fed inkjet printer compatible with A3+ sizes. Utilizing Canon's proprietary water-based pigment ink and high-precision inkjet technology, it boasts a printing speed of up to 320 pages per minute for double-sided A4. Coupled with a 1200 dpi print head and variable droplet size technology, the varioPRINT iX3200 achieves exceptional print quality that rivals offset printing. This positions it as a perfect solution for businesses looking to enhance their productivity and profitability in a market increasingly favoring small-batch, diverse print runs. Find out more about the varioPRINT iX3200 on its dedicated website: Canon varioPRINT iX3200.

For private inquiries, contact Canon Production Printing Systems at the Solutions Planning Division: 03-6719-9642.