AI, Analytics, and RF Drying: 42 Technology’s Peter Brown on Real-World Innovation in Print Manufacturing
By FuturePrint Editorial Team
Dr. Peter Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at 42 Technology (42T), delivered a captivating talk at FuturePrint, blending deep insight with practical reality checks on artificial intelligence (AI), data, and emerging technology in print production.
As a technology development consultancy working across diverse manufacturing sectors, 42T has a unique vantage point—and Brown used it to explore both the hype and hope surrounding AI in print and packaging.
The Reality of AI in Manufacturing
Brown began by highlighting a crucial point: AI is not a silver bullet. “AI is the cherry on top of the icing on the cake,” he explained. “It can do amazing things—but only if you’ve got the fundamentals right.” And those fundamentals start with data.
Drawing from hands-on experience across multiple sectors, Brown shared a familiar but under-discussed truth: most manufacturers are nowhere near ready for AI. In one case study, a manufacturer of safety-critical products with a 60% first-pass yield had no meaningful digital data. Information was handwritten, inconsistently scanned, or overwritten—often with no trace of failed products or how they were reworked.
“Garbage in, garbage out has never been more relevant,” he warned.
The message was clear: without high-quality, structured, and relevant data, AI is not just ineffective—it’s unnecessary. Brown argued that in many cases, conventional analytical tools could deliver major improvements without the cost or complexity of machine learning.
A Staircase to Insight
To illustrate, Brown described a ‘staircase’ of process understanding—from simple equations to spreadsheets, modelling, and finally AI. Each step requires progressively more data. “If you get your data right, you might not need AI,” he said. “But if your data’s not right, AI definitely won’t help.”
Still, AI has its place. 42T recently announced a new partnership with Fujitsu, giving clients access to advanced AI tools for product development and industrial analytics. “We’re excited to bring those capabilities to our clients,” Brown added, “but only when the foundation is in place.”
A Breakthrough in Drying: RF Technology for Aqueous Inks
If that wasn’t enough, Brown saved his biggest announcement for last. With a resurgence in water-based inks—driven by safety and sustainability—comes a major challenge: drying. Traditional drying methods are energy-intensive and often require new infrastructure.
Brown revealed that 42T has developed its own RF (radio frequency) drying system, capable of dramatically reducing energy use while effectively evaporating water from substrates. In a series of live demonstrations—including ink bubbling and drying without hot air or infrared—Brown showed how RF drying could transform the economics of aqueous ink in industrial print.
Closing thoughts: Pragmatism Meets Progress
Dr. Peter Brown’s presentation was a rare mix of grounded realism and true innovation. Whether calling for smarter data management or introducing game-changing drying technology, he emphasised that the path to progress lies in asking the right questions, solving the right problems, and not being afraid to build what doesn’t yet exist.
For more information, email Dr Peter Brown here