SCREENING SYSTEMS -- Spotting an Opportunity

The switch to printing with higher line screens can be almost transparent to press operators, Monfette claims. "You do have to adjust your use of offset powder, since so much of the sheet is covered with ink," he explains. "With longer runs, you also have to watch the dot gain."

That hasn't been an issue for Kirkwood because its average run length is only 5,000 impressions. The shop produces a mix of commercial work, ranging from pocket folders to fairly large catalogs. It runs three (eight-, seven- and four-color) 28˝ sheetfed presses and a six-color, 40˝ machine.