Sheetfed Offset--Running With The Big Dogs

The J Print series, shown at DRUPA in a five-over-five, 40˝ format, prints five colors on both sides of the sheet at the same time—one pass through the press. It eliminates procedures such as a second makeready and second approval.

Petersen doesn't anticipate changes in large-format machines, but believes the 14x20˝ models could be the most affected. "Offset will be essentially replaced in that size with digital presses by 2005. From 28˝ and up, we'll still have offset, but there will be more automation and direct imaging on the press—imaging on the cylinder itself."