Web offset at drupa 1982 versus digital web at drupa 2016

At drupa 1982 I saw, only just returned from 2 years military service in Surinam, how web offset became a disrupting technology which made rotogravure an expensive and old-fashioned technology. This was great for me as I had just started in sales at Machinehandel Houtstra, distributor for Solna Offset, the Swedish press manufacturer with relatively popular web offset presses.

Web offset continues to be the most economic and productive technology for larger volumes. Recent developments such as synchronised automated plate changes, inline colour management, roll to sheet and, of course, waterless offset are reviving this “old” technology. With futuristic consoles and wide screen HD screens these modern print monsters no longer resemble the presses of 1982. Print monsters with short make-ready times and print speeds for more than 40,000 rotations per hour which will keep web offset alive for the foreseeable future.

 
2016: The Digital Web drupa
Drupa 2016 will without a doubt be a digital web drupa. The range, from compact small web solutions to gigantic meters wide printers for corrugated board, will seduce many printers to have a go as well. Digital web is best suited for vertical markets such as labels, direct mail, (photo)books and packaging. Issues such as short turn around times, small volumes, variable data and inline finishing play a huge role here. The wide array of colours of inkjet and the possibility of opaque white also play a part. The extended colour range was clearly demonstrated by Screen Europe when they printed a 2,5 meter wide Pantone colour fan – one of Blokboek.com´s most successful PR stunts.

Small web solutions

Wide web is not always the best solution for vertical markets such as labels, direct mail, photo books and packaging. Small web solutions do not only keep investment low and footprint small, but are efficient when it comes to control, maintenance and malfunction. Small web presses usually have built-in in-line, near-line and off-line finishing systems. Finishing can range from cutting, folding and slitting to punching, perforating, embossing and cold foil.

 

Roll to roll, roll to sheet or in-line finishing

For all web print techniques the key factor for success is low cost-price and short turn around and finishing plays a very important part in both. Roll to roll and off-line finishing are the simplest solutions. Solutions which can also contribute to optimum use of production capacity by avoiding lower speed to enable finishing and the longer make ready times by setting up finishing options.

The next step will be, Goss´Folio showed us this already a couple of drupas ago, cutting a full speed. Combined with automated pallet output these systems can achieve production volumes we could only dream of in 1982.
Inline finishing is the most elegant of finishing options. The end product literally rolls off the press. You will see many examples at drupa 2016, from books to brochures to ingenious direct mail solutions which are delivered ready to send to readers. Muller Martine´s presentation of “PDF In Book Out” and the Bobst Packaging Line which resembles a high speed train are not to be missed. Solutions which prove that the print industry has become a real industry. An industry which, with the right media mix including electronic, is here to stay.