Real Potential, or Not?

Where using sleeves can save a printer money is with handling, safety, storage, and shipping of the sleeves. "Sleeves require less storage space and don't need heavy-duty racking systems designed to hold lots of weight," Ferguson said. "Sleeves weigh about 7 to 10 lbs. compared to cylinders that weigh upwards of 250 lbs.—sleeves are significantly safer for operators to handle. Sleeves also require less equipment and not-as-sophisticated equipment when it comes to handling and mounting them on and off the press."