On October 28th, 2018, the 7th All in Print China (AIP 2018) ended with grand success in Shanghai. With the theme of ‘Enter the Era of Intelligent Printing’, this year’s AIP demonstrated results and development trends of printing technologies in recent years, and vividly revealed the vitality and power of printing technology. Visitors were treated to a ‘feast’ of printing trends and technology in the industry.

The scale of this exhibition has expanded once again, with an exhibition area of ??110,000 square meters; an increase of 34% compared with the previous edition. It has once again set a record for the scale of the exhibition of AIP, becoming the world's largest comprehensive printing exhibition in 2018. A total of 1,030 leading local and international brands came together to compete with each other on the same platform, which also set a new record. AIP has become the window for domestics and overseas visitors from the industry to understand the latest trends of the global print industry. During the five-day exhibition period, a total of 100,933 domestics and overseas visitors attended the event, an increase of 31% compared with the previous edition. The total number of visits reached 145,811, which set a new record in the history of the exhibition. 112 delegations of domestic associations and enterprises came to visit. 53 overseas buyer groups joined the event from 22 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, Portugal, Russia, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and so forth. The exhibitors were very satisfied with the visitor turnout, the number of overseas buyers, the quality of the attendees, and the overall professionalism of the organizers.
 

“7+3” Layout, Comprehensive Display of Cutting-Edge Technology, Leading the Future Development of the Printing Industry
According to the theme of the exhibition, the layout of the exhibition’s floor plan had been designed according to the “7+3” plan, covering all segments of the industry. These included 7 classic themed pavilions: Digital Pre-press Pavilion, Comprehensive Printing Pavilion, Post-press Converting Pavilion, Packaging Equipment Pavilion, Label Industry Pavilion, Ink & Innovative Materials Pavilion, Comprehensive/Packaging Pavilion; and three new special areas: Flexible Packaging Equipment area, Corrugated Box Equipment area,  Spay Printing Equipment area. In order to present a wider range of intelligent manufacturing, innovative and technological developments, and highlight the theme of the exhibition, the organizers of the AIP set up two special zones – Innovation Factory and Intelligent Factory.
 
In terms of pre-press technology, X-Rite, GMG, Esko, Chinese Academy of Printing Technology, Cron, Eastcom Optoelectronics, and Yiyin showcased their own innovative solutions. It is worth mentioning that X-Rite launched the IntelliTrax2 ??Automated Scanning System, which is an advanced color automation solution for the printing industry that enables operators to demonstrate high levels of consistency in costly production procedure. The flexographic digital direct plate-making rubber plate and the supporting digital laser direct plate-making system of the China Academy of Printing Technology are publicized to the market for the first time, which are more environmentally friendly.
 
In 2018, the demand for digital printing equipment and applications are on the rise. The market needs for small-size electrostatic imageing is very strong, large-size industrial inkjets, and digital post-press are growing rapidly. HP, Ricoh, Epson, Screen, Komori, Flint, Founder Electronics, Lucky Huaguang, Riso, Dragon, Scodix, Xindecheng, Shanghai Tiancen, Taike Zhengtong and You-Print Digital all attended AIP 2018 to showcase the charm of digital technologies. Some of them launched new products at the event, such as HPIndigo 12000 HDFM, RICOH Pro C7200X series cool color version, and Dragon's DUMAX-330 roll-to-roll high-speed full-color digital printer.
 
Although the offset printing equipment market has recently been affected by many factors, many equipment suppliers are constantly increasing their efforts in research and development to stay innovative; pushing offset printing equipment to the high-end segment. Komori displayed  very mature traditional printing equipment - the ‘most effective’ full sheet press solution, LITHRONE G46; and the ‘all-round’ offset press with stable and reliable print quality, and wide printing features – LITHRONE G37. As a leader in domestic brands, Hans-Gronhi displayed the SHINOHARA 92IVH four-color offset press and the SHINOHARA 92 double-sided press. Zhongjing Printing launched its innovative product JD-XL330 series combined trademark printing machine.
As to the post-press binding, the adhesive binding line was a highlight, and the machines displayed were most advanced digital post-press machines with higher level of intelligence and automation. For example, Hohner from Germany launched the HSBDIGI-FS 8 all-round binding line in China, which displays great flexibility and functionality. JMD launched their Superbinder (Super)-8000Plus adhesive binding line, which has been extensively innovative, and is an upgraded version of the original 8000 series. Bindex's Galaxy 3000e full servo glue binding machine has achieved full servo adjustment.
 
At this exhibition, the flexible printing and gravure technologies were really eye-catching. W&H showcased the MIRAFLEX satellite flexo press and the DYNASTAR gravure press. Taiyo Kikai demonstrated innovative equipment such as the STF-340/460 flexo press and the STF-460C flexo press. Zhejiang Weigang launched the ZJR-330 unit type flexible printing machine and the ZX-320/450 intermittent PS version of the trademark printing machine.
 
In the packaging and post press field, the automation of die-cutting was upgraded once again, and the whole waste-cleaning system became one hot innovation issue, which highlight the trend of digitalization and intelligence. Bobst launched the SP106 E die-cutting machine globally, which can achieve perfect connection and scrapping and it was highly appreciated by the audience. Masterwork exhibited MK1060CSB whole waste-cleaning die-cutting machine, which was jointly developed by Masterwork and Heidelberg. Shanghai Yoco exhibited the YOCOi60c cold stamp machine for the first time, which can realize the diversification of the finishing process of the printing stock.
 
With the changes of the environment in printing industry, it is particularly important to improve the quality process control of printing companies, reduce printing costs, and promote the development of intelligent manufacturing in the industry through the use of intelligent inspection technology throughout the production process. At AIP 2018, LUSTER, Sino MV, Focusight, Daheng Image, and Pulisi brought their most advanced technologies with a wide range of applications.
 
Being eco-friendly is an inevitable trend in the development of the printing industry, whether for offset printing, digital printing, flexible printing, pre-press technology, or post-press converting. International and domestic brands are all determined to exercise energy conservation and environmental protection. Raw and auxiliary material suppliers, who are the source of the printing industry, have also increased their research and development of green products. At AIP 2018, ink providers such as Hiway Ink, Kingswood, printing plate providers, such as Flint, Fujifilm, and Lucky Huaguang all displayed green solutions, which became an eco-friendly scenery of the exhibition.
 
A multi-angle comprehensive display of the future of printing innovation was presented to visitors at AIP 2018, with the technology and products in various fields presented independently and with clear classification. It is worth mentioning that the Intelligent Factory at Hall N2, which was initiated by Cron, was co-built by nine well-known brands including Hans-Gronhi, Guangming Printing, Yutian Chumbro, Yiyin, Wingbond, JMD, Huayue and ATA Printing. These brands were the pioneers of the industry who brought a complete intelligent printing manufacturing production line to the exhibition hall, giving a vivid demonstration of a smart printing factory prototype. Located in the Innovation Factory at Hall E4, the Innovation Gallery brought together a large number of digital printing, flexible packaging, labeling and printing products which showed the highest level of printing technology in China. The 3D printing area brought together equipment, consumables, finished products, and products with functional printing such as anti-counterfeiting, temperature sensing, and sensitization. Inno Lab, the stage for innovation technology and product launches, also brought a lot of wonderful ideas.
 
A Variety of Professional Concurrent Activities to Create an Interactive Platform
During AIP 2018, there were more than 100 forums, technical exchanges and conferences, providing the visitors with opportunities to exchange information and ideas
 
On October 22nd, the 2018 World Printing and Communication Forum Council Meeting was successfully held in Shanghai Jielong Center. At the meeting, representatives from various countries conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on how to better promote the development of the printing industry in their own countries and how to enhance the social status of the printing industry.
 
October 23rd, Dialogue with the World: Face a New Era of Intelligent Printing - 2018 World Printing and Communication Forum was successfully held. At the meeting, Liu Xiaokai, Director General of Department of Printing and Distribution, SAPPRFT, delivered the keynote speech entitled “Insist on Opening and Innovation to Add New Power to the Printing Industry”. Experts from printing industry associations in China, the United States, Japan, India, Australia, and other outstanding companies such as HP, Goss China, Founder Electronics, Artron, Yuto, Sunglow, etc. all delivered speeches at the conference, offering the audience a rich feast of knowledge and inspirations.
On October 24th, 2018 All in Print China Intelligent Manufacturing Theme Conference was held with the theme of ‘The Future of Intelligent Manufacturing’. 7 leading suppliers released cutting-edge intelligent manufacturing-related technologies in printing industry. The Xiangxue Cloud Knowledge Service Platform produced by Keyin media held a press conference for the launch of the commemorative book “The Great Renaissance – The Development of Printing Industry during the 40 year of the Reform and Opening up Policy”, and the fifth anniversary of the "Green Raw and Auxiliary Materials Catalogue".
 
On October 25th, 2018 Global Label Technology Summit Forum and the Intelligent Label - 2018 “Sun Cup” Awards Ceremony of Asia Label Printing were successfully held. More than 300 attendees including industry government leaders, well-known experts, top label suppliers, product users, and representatives of award-winners, witnessed this label industry event. The 2018 AIP Indian Day and welcome ceremony for visitor delegation groups were held. Mr. Raveendra Joshi, President of All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), attended the event with more than 200 industry colleagues from India. In addition, 2019 China International Paper Packaging Forum & Paper Packaging Industry Chain Solution Demonstration Forum Press Conference, C9 Printing and Packaging Quality Control and Evaluation Conference, and 2018 AIP Japan Night were also successfully held.
 
On October 26th, 2018 International Packaging Printing Forum provided participants the latest technical knowledge and solutions through discussions and exchanges, providing an innovative breakthrough for printing companies to explore packaging needs. 2018 Digital Printing in China Technology Summit Forum and 2018 “KONICA MINOLTA & Keyin” Digital Printing Elite Invitation Awards were grandly held, which enabled industry colleagues to experience the innovative applications and development of digital printing technology. In the afternoon, a press conference of the Blue Book of Shanghai Jinshan Printing Industry Development was held, under the witness of all the participants.
 
In addition, during the exhibition, HP, Ricoh, Screen, Founder Electronics, PrintHome, Shanghai Qiangbang and many other exhibitors held various technical conferences, signing ceremonies and customer appreciation dinner and other activities.
 

See you at All in Print China 2020
From 2003 to 2018 - 15 years, with 7 editions of exhibitions have been held, AIP has developed into the most influential professional exhibition in China and the world, through marketization, specialization, internationalization and branding. As a platform for exchanges, cooperation and demonstration, AIP will help the development and progress of China's printing industry and support China's move from being just a large printing country to a powerful one. The exploration will never stop. The 8th All in Print China will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center from October 12th to 16th, 2020. Let’s meet at the 8th All in Print China. See you again in 2020!

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Ms. Amily Deng
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Email: Amily.Deng@mds.cn