Sheetfed Presses--Big Performance, Small Packages

In the Future
In the future, Gierlach believes ink-control devices that maintain the optimum color will be emphasized, along with automation, such as automatic plate loading, which will help meet turnaround times.

Bernd Blumberg, marketing director of Printmaster systems for Heidelberg USA, recognizes four key factors facing printers: competing technologies (such as non-impact printing), desktop publishing challenges, the color revolution and the desire for more automation. He notes results from a survey of printing franchises, which still derive 30 percent of their revenues from traditional offset printing, as a testament to offset's continuing viability as a market niche.