Offset printing technology is still seeking for change and still dominates the printing industry

Among the numerous printing methods, offset printing still maintains its mainstream position and meets the needs of the market by combining with other printing methods. The main players in the offset printing field are Heidelberg, Manroland, KBA, Mitsubishi and Komori.

1. Make a breakthrough in speed

In Drupa 2004, the speed of the sheet-fed offset press reached 20,000 impressions/hour, while the previous maximum speed was generally 18,000 impressions/hour. For the rotary press, the highest speed demonstrated on the spot was 100,000 impressions/hour.

2. Large format becomes the focus

KBA, which has performed very well in the development of large-format printers, has again introduced a number of large-format printers. For example, the Rapida 205 has a printing format of 2050mm x 1510mm, which is the largest sheet-fed offset press in the industry. In addition, Manroland has also introduced a large-format printer R9OOXXL with a format of 1850mmx 1300mm. These large-format printers are mostly used in the field of packaging and printing, and have a wide adaptability to printing materials. They can print large-format posters, thick paper, and even corrugated paper.

3. Multi-color offset printing technology is concerned

Multi-color is an important trend in the development of offset printing technology. General offset printing presses are developing in the direction of eight colors and ten colors. Like Mitsubishi's Diamand 3000, its biggest feature is the ability to print on both sides in multiple colors without flipping.

4. Increased level of automation

The degree of automation is an important indicator to improve the offset printing technology. By shortening the preparation time for starting up and improving the version change. Ink transfer, flip. The degree of automation of paper, paper, and other devices to improve production efficiency. Manroland's Roland 700 has a plate cylinder drive technology, so it takes only two or three minutes to replace a single color plate. KBA adopts a short-ink ink system with no ink key, which greatly shortens the boot preparation time and reduces the boot waste rate.

5. Connect with other printing methods

In order to meet the requirements of offset printing for packaging and printing, many manufacturers have added on-line processing functions such as glazing, hot foiling and die-cutting. For example, Manroland introduced Roland 700 Ultrtima, a sheet-fed, online hot stamping press. In addition, drupa 2004 also exhibited a versatile web offset press that integrated flexo, gravure, screen printing, cold/hot stamping, die cutting and many other units.