Web's Got a Friend
January 2001
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By partnering with other processes, web offset reaches its maximum productivity value.
by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor
THE QUALITY OF web offset printing has never been in question; its economy, however, has had its naysayers. But the new generation of web offset looks to be fueled by interdependence: using offset in conjunction with other processes to provide high quality while rationing costs. Given its in-line capabilities and speed advantage, web offset's doors may soon open to many more printers.
The move to multi-process was certainly witnessed by last year's Labelexpo attendees. RDP Marathon, for example, highlighted its LF-series of variable repeat web presses, which employs interchangeable print inserts available in hybrid combinations of litho, flexo, screen, waterless, and gravure.
Brian Ivens, RDP's director of international marketing, believes, "Such print flexibility allows the appropriate printing process to be used according to the needs of each job—offset for process printing, flexo for special coatings, screen for high ink deposition, gravure for metallic effects, etc."
Nilpeter, a combination web offset veteran, recently introduced the 20˝ M-5200 model as a first cousin to the 13˝ M-3300 unit. These presses feature a platform slide-in system to allow printing cassette changes without tooling, as well as off-line job preparation. Stressing the ability to change set-ups from job to job, Nilpeter offers UV flexo and UV screen versatility, in addition to laminating, embossing, stamping, and diecutting.
Offset seems to have found its natural print partner in UV flexo, which often provides better large-area, solid color coverage than offset. Michael Aumann, North American sales manager for Brandtjen & Kluge, agrees, counting the newly offered UV flexo capacity on the Kluge web press system as one of the most significant developments of his company's presses. as it will significantly expand the amount of work the press can produce.
Investigating improvements
Web offset has recently become better acquainted with the sheetfed business, given the Gallus-Heidelberg alliance forged in 1999. Detlef Janke, marketing director for Heidelberg's sheetfed Speedmaster 102 press, remarks, "In-line technologies, including printing, hot foil stamping, window patching, and diecutting, offer opportunities to our new and existing customers."
Janke explains Heidelberg's original hesitation regarding web offset was the process' gravity toward long runs and difficult changeovers. Meanwhile, the Gallus TCS250 intermittent web press is ideal for small and medium-sized runs, complete with individual print modules that support letterpress or screen options. Because the TCS250 requires no format-dependent accessories, order-specific outlay is reduced.
by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor
THE QUALITY OF web offset printing has never been in question; its economy, however, has had its naysayers. But the new generation of web offset looks to be fueled by interdependence: using offset in conjunction with other processes to provide high quality while rationing costs. Given its in-line capabilities and speed advantage, web offset's doors may soon open to many more printers.
The move to multi-process was certainly witnessed by last year's Labelexpo attendees. RDP Marathon, for example, highlighted its LF-series of variable repeat web presses, which employs interchangeable print inserts available in hybrid combinations of litho, flexo, screen, waterless, and gravure.
Brian Ivens, RDP's director of international marketing, believes, "Such print flexibility allows the appropriate printing process to be used according to the needs of each job—offset for process printing, flexo for special coatings, screen for high ink deposition, gravure for metallic effects, etc."
Nilpeter, a combination web offset veteran, recently introduced the 20˝ M-5200 model as a first cousin to the 13˝ M-3300 unit. These presses feature a platform slide-in system to allow printing cassette changes without tooling, as well as off-line job preparation. Stressing the ability to change set-ups from job to job, Nilpeter offers UV flexo and UV screen versatility, in addition to laminating, embossing, stamping, and diecutting.
Offset seems to have found its natural print partner in UV flexo, which often provides better large-area, solid color coverage than offset. Michael Aumann, North American sales manager for Brandtjen & Kluge, agrees, counting the newly offered UV flexo capacity on the Kluge web press system as one of the most significant developments of his company's presses. as it will significantly expand the amount of work the press can produce.
Investigating improvements
Web offset has recently become better acquainted with the sheetfed business, given the Gallus-Heidelberg alliance forged in 1999. Detlef Janke, marketing director for Heidelberg's sheetfed Speedmaster 102 press, remarks, "In-line technologies, including printing, hot foil stamping, window patching, and diecutting, offer opportunities to our new and existing customers."
Janke explains Heidelberg's original hesitation regarding web offset was the process' gravity toward long runs and difficult changeovers. Meanwhile, the Gallus TCS250 intermittent web press is ideal for small and medium-sized runs, complete with individual print modules that support letterpress or screen options. Because the TCS250 requires no format-dependent accessories, order-specific outlay is reduced.
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