The Future Of Offset

"We're looking at a totally automated machine, with a redesign of the inking and dampening system, whether it shifts to waterless or we stick to conventional inks and chemicals," reveals Jon Surch, press products manager at Sakurai USA.

"I think the last holdout of the old offset press will be the inking and dampening system," he continues. "For the longest time we had manual plating, then automatic plate changers, then we went to automatic perfector changeovers and automatic washing systems. Now the basic design of the press has to change in order for the technology leap to make it to the next level."