Nilpeter Says Buyers’ Demand for Quality Boosts Interest in Offset

Another truism is that rotary UV-offset presses are more expensive to install compared to simpler flexo presses, which have fewer moving parts. Also, those new to offset may have to install new repro and platemaking equipment, although trade platemaking houses are widely distributed in most developed countries. However, Landberg argues that offset can introduce tangible benefits in terms of cost and productivity. “Compared with UV-flexo, it is a far more stable and productive process,” he says. “It is backed by proven, industry-wide quality standards that help operators to quickly achieve accurate colour measurements and precise control over ink settings during set-ups and the print run. Also, in the longer term a firm’s overall platemaking costs are considerablly lower. Digitally or conventionally-imaged metal offset plates are five to ten times cheaper to make compared with polymer flexo plates.”