Heatset Web Offset Presses -- Hot Rumors Cool Off

Although the trend toward shorter press runs has been a recurring theme in the printing industry, Paul Pirkle, vice president of commercial web sales at MAN Roland, adds that high-volume web markets are also alive and well. Here the trend is to run a larger format press, rather than multiple webs.

"A MAN Roland client in this sector is able to run 32 pages on a four-around, five-unit press in the same footprint they had been running two 16-page signatures with a double-web setup on an eight-unit press," Pirkle explains. "Meanwhile, they are accelerating their deadlines and cutting their manning requirements, thanks to the efficiencies the configuration provides."