Together with new production facility, Durst Digital Technology, Lienz has opened a "Technical Academy" for digital printing. The new building consists of an entire production line, from the pre-printing preparation stations to the complete punching and bending units for digitally printed packages, as well as training areas for printers coming from all over the world. Those attending the courses are subsequently trained to become digital printers.

"The problem with new technologies for companies," explains Michael Lackner, Marketing Manager of Durst Digital Technology, "is that the employees are suddenly confronted with new technologies, which subsequently leads to altered work cycles and performance testing methods. Training seminars in individual areas, such as colour management or quality assurance in printing are available, but only in certain areas, without taking the total work flow into consideration. However, important factors for cost savings or the breakthrough of new production methods lie within the total process and processing costs. This type of training for printers is only available from us."

The courses are not only offered to Durst customers but also to all printers who are entering the world of digital printing.

The first seminars in German and in English are planned for the autumn. Spanish and Russian courses are scheduled for the spring, and lecturers are still being sought for courses in Japanese and Chinese. The expert lecturers are from both Durst and externally with relevant and specialist knowledge across science and industry, and who are recruited in accordance with their individual language skills. A team of 4 will supervise the training centre. Methods of teaching include the preparation of files, colour management, profiling, creative pictorial techniques, printing optimization, digital punching, folding and bending of printing media, profitability calculations, quotation costing, and workflow optimization.

According to Dr. Richard Piock, CEO of the Durst Group: "The seminars are not only meant for people working in screen printers and printing shops, but also designers. We are not embarking on the project for monetary gain, but in an attempt to raise the awareness of Durst as a competent partner in the field of digital printing and the acceptance of the technologies."

1.5 million Euros have been invested in the Academy, and around 1000 graduates are expected per year.

Press Information

Tony Wheeler
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