Press Specs

Offset
Digital

Offset is premium quality, and on larger quantities is typically cheaper on a unit-cost basis than digital. The unit-cost crossover from digital is at about 500 8.5x11 units.

Offset considerations

-- More design flexibility: in addition to CMYK, Pantone, Metallic, and flourescent inks are available.
-- More sophisticated: enhanced production techniques like duotone, tritone, "bump" plates, etc. are available.
-- Slower to finish: drying time is required before finishing. Uncoated offset paper with heavy coverage, especially with colors including reflex blue can take several days to dry.

Press	Max Sheet size	Max Print area	Avail Ink CMYK or PMS	Coating	Line screen	Max paper weight	Proof
KBA Rapida 205	59.5x81	58.5x80	1-6color	UV, aqueous, varnish	15mu stochastic, 200L rosette	64pt	Hard dot, inkjet, pdf
Heidelberg	28x40	26x38	1-10color	UV, aqueous, varnish	10mu stochastic, 200L rosette	40pt	Hard dot, inkjet, pdf
Komori	19x25	18x24	1-5color	Aqueous, varnish	200L rosette	24pt	Hard dot, inkjet, pdf
Heidelberg	14x20	13x19	1-6color	Aqueous, varnish	10mu stochastic, 200L rosette	20pt	Hard dot, inkjet, pdf
Ryobi	14x20	13x19	1-4color	Varnish	175L rosette	20pt	Hard dot, inkjet, pdf
Typically, the larger the press, the more expensive to start up, and the lower the unit cost once running. We work with our clients to produce each project cost-effectively.

Digital printing is typically faster and less expensive than offset in small quantities. The unit-cost crossover from digital is at about 500 8.5x11 units. Many small digital projects can be delivered the next day, or sometimes the same day.

Digital Considerations

-- Digital ink selection is CMYK or black only*. This means that certain colors, especially oranges and purples, are significantly less bright and clean than Pantone equivalents.
*Pantone inks are available for Indigo, but must be ordered in advance, and are typically cost-effective only on press runs lasting 1 day or more. Offset is generally cheaper if you want real Pantone.
-- Large solid areas, especially those including colors made up of screens, often do not print as evenly as offset.
-- Digital press proofs are typically included in the price, so you can get a test. If you are unhappy with the digital press proof, you can switch to offset at minimal expense.

Press Manufacturer	Max Sheet size	Max Print area	Avail Ink CMYK only	Coating	Line screen	Max paper weight	Proof	Binding
Indigo 5000	12x18	11.5x17.5"	CMYK only	Plastic	133 rosette	13pt	1-off, pdf	off line
Xerox 700	12x18	11.5x17.5"	CMYK only	Plastic	133 rosette	13pt	1-off, pdf	in-line saddle stitch
Indigo is the digital quality standard, rivalling small format offset. The Xerox is typically faster and less expensive than Indigo.