January 2017 e-VIBES
January 2017 e-VIBES
Recently ‘ Hybrid ’ is the most recent Buzz word in print production . Following the traditional naming pattern , we may call this new technology as ‘ Offtal ’. ( Lion and tiger breed is called ’ Linger ’). Yes , you have guessed it right ! The most talked about hybrid integration in WEB is the mix and match of Offset and Digital ( Toner or Inkjet ) printing technologies . This is the cost effective combination of operational efficiency and functional versatility of Web in-line printing with the variability of digital imaging .
Lots of prototypes of this hybrid technology are in vogue . However , it is getting mature and becoming popular only in the recent times . Digital printing , with its variable data reproduction capabilities , finds excellent matching with the traditional offset printing in WEB , the proven technology for its speed , high quality and quick turnover . This combination has opened a floodgate of opportunities for printing personalized brochures , invitations , business cards , and presentation mails . This hybrid upcoming technology in WEB is equally the future for newspapers . For newspapers , especially with unique advertisement with variable contents and large volume of area specific advertisements , the offset module takes care of the shell content and the digital module takes care of the variable content . The digital print head is mounted on an adjustable rail to change the location of the variable content anywhere across the page . Other potential applications also include printing on a common page spread , variable contents like micro position codes , bar codes , coupons , regionalized advertisement / news and personalized texts and images . The technical possibilities and profitable business opportunities are endless . The production workflow in hybrid WEB print production has multiple options . As of now , the digital imprinting on offset shells can be either inline in the WEB presses or in the binding line . More options will spin out as the technology matures . The most encouraging development is the common workflows that are in the offing . These common workflows extend not only across the press platforms but also manage all the print production processes . All operational controls are possible from one common station through personnel , trained both in offset and digital concepts .
Hybrid in Web printing has a dominant role to play in the near future and is here to stay
- KEYYEN . n
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