Web Offset is Keeping Pace

RDP Marathon is also offering sleeve capability on its presses. "The use of sleeves is commercial and is finding its way into industry as an emerging technology," says Short. "Offset sleeve technology was promoted by several vendors at IPEX this year for variable-width printing." He believes that the use of sleeve offset technology approaches the same cost structure as UV flexo. "Capital costs are higher than UV flexo, but overall costs should be competitive when considering the life-cycle."