Debunking 3 Common Myths About Web Offset
There is a misleading stigma in the lithographic printing industry that the print quality of sheet-fed technology is superior to web-offset. While both applications have their strengths, some statements made about the differences between the quality of sheet-fed and web-offset are misleading, at best, and often just plain false. We find these statements and thoughts are primarily within the United States and do not seem prevalent in Europe.
At Parkland Direct, we know this firsthand due to operating both the latest and greatest sheet-fed presses alongside modern web press technology. As a result of more than four decades in the lithographic industry and utilizing both sheet-fed and web technology, we have extensive knowledge of both. We maintain a strict focus on our high standards for quality print by continued capital investment and education. Here we want to debunk three of the most common myths we hear about web-offset printing.
Myth #1: Sheet-fed Offset Printing Quality is Superior to Web-Offset
A well-run, highly skilled web-offset facility produces a product that is every bit as good as sheet-fed. At Parkland, we featured both modern sheet-fed and web technology and achieved the same high-quality product on both platforms. New web technology incorporates very robust ink and water trains. This coupled with high volume ink transfer rollers, allows for smooth and consistent ink transfer to any substrate, even in the heaviest ink coverage applications.
Regarding quality control for web presses, there are now systems that can track and report print quality in real-time on-the-fly. With these tools, a skilled web press operator can quickly achieve high-quality print even at production speeds approaching 1,000 feet per minute and consistently hold it over long runs of quantities in the 10s of millions.
Myth #2: Sheet-fed Technology is Faster in Job Changeovers
There have certainly been many significant advancements in sheet-fed presses to reduce the amount of time associated with project changeovers. However, sheet-fed is not alone in this regard, as web-offset has also reduced changeover time by giant leaps. With the introduction of new variable sleeve units, web presses now have rapid job changeovers. This technology allows press operators to have the next project ready for production before the current project is complete. So, starting a new project only requires sliding the old set of plates off, putting the new ones on, and bringing the press up the color. Within minutes from starting a setup, a web-press operator can be ready for a sign-off and on to the next project.
Roll splicing equipment on the unwind and rewind of a web-press allows for continuous operation and no stopping to load/unload product from the press. Continuous operation, coupled with high speeds, enables us to produce more than 3,000,000 litho-envelopes per shift on a single press! These types of numbers would not have been attainable on our sheet-fed presses.
Myth #3: Web Offset Printing is Common Across the Board with Quality
Just like in most industries, not all web-press facilities are built and operate in the same way. Web-offset facilities range from “down and dirty” basic forms printing to extremely high-end packaging for the world’s most recognized and iconic brands. Web presses even produce incredibly high security and quality printing such as banknotes and currency.
The stigma we mentioned about web-press quality being subpar to sheet-fed comes from a handful of facilities that create this reputation. When looking at a litho-print provider, we recommend taking a close look at their equipment and asking the following questions:
Is the facility well-kept/clean?
Does this company invest in modern print technology?
Is ALL the equipment well maintained?
Do they have an excellent QC process?
Are they G7 certified?
If one can answer yes to these questions, then chances are they will offer high-quality print whether it is a sheet-fed or web-offset facility.
One of the best ways to find the answers to these questions is to request a tour of the facility producing your product. In this day and time, Parkland understands that this can be difficult, so we have set up a way for our clients to take a virtual tour. If interested, please contact us today! And you do not have to take our word on our high standards for print quality—see for yourself by requesting a sample book and signing up for our monthly creative mailer!
Questions or ideas? Please e-mail us at: envelopes@parklanddirect.com.