Sheetfed’s Future Analyzed by PRIMIR

The study revealed that a number of sheetfed printers also operate digital presses—but mainly as short-run, quick-turnaround imaging machines, and not to produce unique high-value variable data work. For their ‘bread and butter’ work, these printers tend to favor ‘utility-type’ sheetfed presses (24” to 42”) with perfecting and on-press coating or curing becoming the norm. As they upgrade, among other things to secure flexibility in their product offerings, printers are looking for on-press automation and technological advances to cope with shorter runs, smaller formats and quicker turnarounds.