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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