RJCO Quick Definitions

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Sheet-Fed Press
As its name implies, this press is a traditional low volume press that prints on pre-cut sheets of paper. Because of its more precise printing method, a sheet-fed press produces the sharpest printing of the three press types. It can also print on a wider variety of paper weights. However, because of its slower speed, it is the most expensive of the print methods and is generally only used for small print runs or jobs requiring the highest print quality.

Web Press
A web press prints on a roll of paper rather than sheets, allowing faster printing. There are two types of web presses - heat-set and cold-set (see definitions below).

- Heat-Set Web Press
A heat-set web press is the standard catalog and magazine printing press. This press has a heating unit that dries the printed ink as it exits the press. This allows the press to print at high speeds on coated (gloss) paper, which produces brilliant, crisp photo reproduction. Heat-set web presses are very large, complicated machines that require several people to set up and operate. It is only cost-effective to use this type of press for print runs of 10,000 copies or more and in increments of 8 (preferably 16) pages. 99% of all mail-order catalogs are printed on this type of press.

- Cold-Set Web Press
A typical cold-set web press does not include a heating unit, so the printed ink must air dry before exiting the press. Since ink will dry faster on uncoated papers than on coated papers, only uncoated stock can be used in a cold-set web press. Uncoated papers produce a less glossy image and are usually used for black and white projects or when less color accuracy is required. Cold-set web presses are smaller and simpler than heat-set web presses, cost less and require less setup time. Therefore, it is a good press for small quantity catalog print runs starting at 1,000 copies. Once the quantity reaches about 20,000, the greater speed of the heat-set web press begins to be more cost effective.