Digital future: a successful Acimac conference

On 16 November, more than 400 people packed out the Teatro Astoria in Fiorano for the third edition of the Acimac conference on the theme of digital decoration, following on from the highly successful events held in 2010 and 2011. The conference focused on the development of digital techniques for ceramic decoration and hosted talks by representatives of industry-leading companies that took stock of research and innovation and prompted keen interest amongst the large audience.
 
The conference demonstrated very clearly that while digital technology has attained very high levels, it has not yet reached its peak. The market is growing steadily and is seeing the development of ever more sophisticated applications allowing for levels of productivity and quality that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
 
One contribution that was particularly well received was that of Raffaele Bartoli, Industrial Director of Marazzi Group, who discussed the value of digital technology for a ceramic multinational. Although the costs are still high, he explained, digital systems allow for outstanding flexibility and product quality and in some markets have attained brand status.
 
The event was concluded by a roundtable discussion in which the speakers, led by moderator Prof. Paolo Zannini, further analysed the issues.