Process Optimization — Makereadies Mean Money

Makeready efficiency on conventional offset presses can now be increased by the addition of ink-key presetting, automated plate changing, color control and other technological advances. There is still a competitive break-even point for sheetfed offset, though, perhaps 5,000 sheets or even less.

Digital offset presses (DI for machines using Presstek technology) have been positioned as the ink-based solution for shorter runs of static printed pieces. These devices extend the cost-effective range of offset printing to even lower runs by imaging plate materials directly on the press and using waterless printing to cut makeready times.