Large-Format Sheetfed Presses -- Bigger Gets Better

"The manning for a large-format is similar to a 40˝ press, so the makereadies are very similar," Kodama says.

"For example, with perfecting, in order to get a 16-page format, you're perfecting on both sides. On a 56˝ press, you can do it on one side, although you still have to work and turn the sheet. On a large format, you are not limited by the pagination of the sheet because perfecting requires gutters for the slow down wheels on the back side and ceramic-type jackets on the impression cylinders, which will affect print quality. So there are some advantages to the large format."