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All You Need To Know About A Web Offset Printing Press

Do you want to start your own printing business but are unsure of where to start? Maybe you have already begun your research but are getting overwhelmed by the bulk of information that is available? Perhaps you are just looking for a suggestion on the most fundamental requirement of your printing business; a printing press. Whatever your quest, this is the buried treasure. Continue on to discover and better understand the best decision you will ever make in the process of starting your very own printing firm – the purchase of a Web Offset Printing Press.

The first question to be answered is the function or definition of a Web Offset Printing Press. The premier order of business is to understand what offset printing is. This is a method of mass production involving the use of metal plates to transfer (offset) images onto cylinders which then print the images onto the print media that is being used, i.e. paper (in most cases). The reason this process is used is because it produces a consistently high image quality and it can be adapted for jobs of varying volumes.

Web Offset printing is one of two variations of offset printing; the other being sheet-fed offset printing. The main difference is that the former is fed with massive rolls of paper initially with separation of pages occurring later, while the latter has to be fed with precut individual pages of paper. Web Offset Printing Machines are used for high volume jobs which need to be completed in a short span of time. They are considerably faster than sheet fed offset machines, with a much higher output rate.

ADVANTAGES

Any web offset press is judged on the basis of its efficiency in meeting the production target. One of the greatest advantages of such a press is that it can result in massive reduction in labour costs. Wonder how? If the example of a web offset printing press used for the publication of newspapers (or books) is considered, then folded papers can be easily obtained as the press can print on either side of the web simultaneously. This essentially implies that such a press can be used both for printing as well as folding and cutting.

Another major benefit of using such as press is that the machine can print on either a single side or both sides of the web simultaneously. Its design is optimized for rapid changes in the size of the sheet being fed. Furthermore, multicolour printing can be done with ease as a web offset printing press consists of a range of printing modules designed to occupy minimum space and satisfy a variety of needs. It can be used in a multitude of print colours and with various pagination options.

Finally, what is perhaps the most important feature, the cost per copy is the lowest in a web offset printing press.

Web offset machines are utilized in printing jobs requiring images on either side of the roll making it ideal for jobs such as the printing of newspapers and books. They are also known for the massive volume that they can process. This is possible in part due to the high speed of operation of such presses. This implies that a combination of high speeds and the option to print in colour on both sides of the web culminates in the lowest per copy cost. Added to this is the integrated folding capability of such presses which allows businesses to save costs on binding or other such offline folding methods.

APPLICATIONS

The next point of consideration is what all a web offset machine can be used to print.

1.Newspapers
2.Textbooks
3.Answer sheets
4.Share forms
5.Lottery tickets
6.Pre printed stationary
7.Magazines
8.Booklets
9.Security Printing

Web offset press also have a capbility to print variable data may it be bar code, serial number, QR code on each sheet at any position that you want. All this can be done online in one go. It’s a huge advantage considering end to end control on printed product which is becoming overly popular these days

Any printing application where you want to print on both sides, web offset can be an ideal solution. Only limitation is the paper grammage that you can run. Typically, web offset runs a web not more than 100 GSM.

If you are still wondering whether or not a Web Offset Printing Press will benefit your business then here is why you should consider purchasing one. The end goal of any business is to rake in greater revenue and maximize profits. There are two ways to accomplish this. The first involves using equipment which would minimize the cost of production. The second method is to purchase equipment which allows for flexibility and future expansion. A Web offset printing press ticks both these boxes. It reduces the per copy cost to an absolute minimum and also helps reduce additional costs associated with folding and binding. Really, what more could you ask for?

Various Print options

Various Fold options

Example of a typical configuration to print 24 pages all pages colour newspaper.

Configuration tool :-

If you are wondering what configuration of machine will suit your specific newspaper pagination and colour requirement. Don’t worry, we have build a special tool for you to understand all various configurations with varying newspaper pagination. Visit https://config.prakashoffset.com

In this tool you can easily mention your newspaper format, number of pages, and coloured pages. You will then be presented with accurate machine configuration. This will really help you in deciding machine to go for.

Manpower requirement :-

In a typical press, thumb rule is 2 operators per 4 colour machine for a manual machine and 1 operator per 4 colour machine for a motorized machine. 1 operator per single colour machine. There will be a senior printing foreman supervising all printing operations.

Manpower requirement changes significantly with the level of automation in the machine. Configuration of the machine also dictates number of people required to run the press smoothly. If you are looking for less manpower oriented machine, then we suggest you get in touch with us.

Power Requirement :-

Power requirement of the press is directly proportional to the press configuration. In a typical DC motor powered, shafted press capacity of DC motor dictates load of the machine. It is always advisable to run your electrical system at maximum 70% load for better life of the electrical system. When choosing a press, special attention should be given on actual power requirement and electrical system capacity being provided with the press.

In a shafted press big DC motor drives the folder with belts and pulley. Folder in turn then distributes drive using mechanical shafts and gears to other printing units in the press. It is worth noting that longer the pressline, more will be electrical losses. In a typical 4 pages (broadsheet), all page colour machine, 45KW motor is provided. It increases with addition of more printing units. With varying machine configuration, different motor and drive capacity is used. An intelligent manufacturer generally calculates exact power requirement of the press and offers you right capacity of the motor and drive. Any less will create problems in future and anything more will shoot up your power bill.

There is also another alternative of shaftless drive system with AC servo motors, which is a high end solution for the press where there are frequent plate changes in short period of time and customer is looking for full flexibility. You may contact us if such is your requirement.