Heatset Web Presses -- War Heats Up

To remain competitive, web printers must choose new pressroom gear with the tools that allow them to get by with fewer operators, while improving quality and production, Kerns believes.

To that end, heatset web offset printers seek, if not demand, several key features for their presses. "First, the ability of the press to allow precise control throughout the speed range is critical," advises Bob Pitel, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Sanden Machine. "Full programmability of the press is necessary to turn an otherwise daunting task of controlling print quality into a relatively simple and manageable process. The second key, no different from all press technology, is fast make-ready and low waste. The third criterion is the increased need for a powerful ink train to allow for the heavy coverage requirements of commercial applications."