Avoiding on-demand paper pitfalls
American Printer

Byline: STEVE JOHNSON Contributing editor; president of Copresco, a Carol Stream, IL, digital on-demand p

Even if you are an old hand in the printing and binding businesses, some aspects of digital printing might catch you off guard. Consider the paper situation: While the digital-printing process is completely different from the offset process, identical papers are often used, and expected to perform in the same manner. This expectation can lead to imaging disasters. Even more insidious are the digital-print problems that go undetected until the postpress stage.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

Before we look at specific paper pitfalls, two unique digital-printing challenges must be considered:

Press model and manufacturer

The digital process comprises a dizzying array of technology. Therefore, virtually all of the paper-stress factors mentioned in this article are generalities. One of the best ways to avoid problems is to network with other digital-press users to pool your paper knowledge. Most digital-press vendors have user groups that meet regularly to discuss such topics.

Communicating with the press manufacturer is also important. Most publish lists of papers that have been "approved" or "certified" for use on their machinery. In the best cases, this list reflects a careful process of communication and testing between paper mill and press manufacturer. The presence of a paper brand on such a list does not guarantee it will run successfully, but it does represent a commitment on the part of the press manufacturer to make the paper work. This is important in an industry where time between service calls is measured in hours, and less-than-competent repair technicians would prefer to blame stock rather than fix the machine.