Differences between web and sheet-fed printing - Warners Midlands Plc

Summary

In this informative video, Andy from Warner Printers explains the key differences between web and sheetfed printing. While both methods utilize offset lithography, web printing features an oven-drying process that causes slight rippling and increases the size of printed text due to moisture absorption. The video highlights the contrasting glossiness of the ink, with web prints having a shiny finish compared to the more subdued sheen of sheetfed prints. This engaging overview helps viewers understand how these processes affect the final appearance of printed materials.

Takeaways

• 😀 The primary difference between web and sheetfed printing lies in the drying process, with web printing using an oven.
• 😀 Both printing methods utilize offset litho technology.
• 😀 Web-printed paper may exhibit a slight ripple when viewed edge-on due to the heating process.
• 😀 Web growth occurs in web printing, causing text pages to slightly outgrow the cover after moisture absorption.
• 😀 Lift from the ink is more pronounced in web printing, resulting in a glossy finish compared to the lower sheen of sheetfed prints.
• 😀 The video features two magazines: both have sheetfed covers but web-printed text.
• 😀 The appearance of ink can vary significantly between web and sheetfed prints.
• 😀 The glossiness of web-printed materials can enhance visual appeal.
• 😀 Warner Printers offers both printing processes in-house for unbiased comparison.
• 😀 More information on the differences between printing methods is available on Warner's website.

Q & A

What is the main difference between web and sheetfed printing?

The main difference lies in the drying process; web printing uses an oven to dry the paper, while sheetfed printing does not.

How can I visually identify whether a publication is printed using web or sheetfed methods?

You can look for slight rippling in the paper, uneven text alignment, and differences in the glossiness of the ink.

What causes the slight ripple seen in web-printed pages?

The ripple occurs due to the heating process used in web printing, which affects the paper's texture.

What is web growth and how does it affect printed materials?

Web growth refers to the expansion of the text paper after it has been cut; it can make the text appear slightly misaligned with the cover.

How does the drying process affect the glossiness of printed pages?

In web printing, the ink dries immediately on the paper, resulting in a shinier, glossier finish compared to sheetfed printing.

Are there quality differences between web and sheetfed printing?

Both methods can produce high-quality prints, but the finish and feel of the ink can vary, with web printing often being glossier.

What types of printing processes does Warner offer?

Warner offers both sheetfed and heat set web printing processes in-house.

Why might someone choose web printing over sheetfed printing?

Web printing can be more efficient for larger runs and can provide a different finish, making it suitable for specific publication needs.

What resources does Warner provide for further information on printing?

Warner has extensive information on their website about the differences between printing processes and can be contacted for more details.

How does the ink lift on web-printed pages compare to sheetfed printed pages?

Web-printed pages have a higher lift from the ink, giving them a shinier appearance, while sheetfed pages have a more subdued sheen.