Prepping Clients for Web Okays

Clients who've not previously experienced a press okay on a web will be more comfortable with the process if they understand how web and sheet-fed okays differ, and what they can expect. While both use virtually the same ink-on-paper process, the makeready procedures are noticeably different. At ColorGraphics www.colorgrapics.com, we contrast the two by explaining that a typical sheetfed makeready would run something like this: 1) Run reusable waste; 2) Run a few good sheets; 3) Stop; 4) Evaluate; 5) Adjust and repeat as needed.

With webs, the makeready sequence is: 1) Run slowly; 2) Run faster; 3) Continue to run and make adjustments on the fly. The typical web makeready generates an average of 10 to 12 times more paper waste than a sheetfed makeready. Because paper is costly, the web press check demands organization, good communication and a certain sense of urgency.

A heatset web is an arrangement of web tensioning and alignment devices, printing units and dryers, and it often includes folders, perforators, gluing systems and trimmers. The press operator manages this complex process in a dual role, to create a product that is technically correct, after drawing on his experience and creativity to visually fine-tune the product.

Although an understanding of the web makeready process is important in eliminating excess paper waste, the roles of the participants are similar to those at sheetfed press okays. The press operator and supervisor assume the role of advisors in the subjective and creative process of approving a press sheet. Color is compared, discussed and adjusted. Everyone has a different point of view and personal tastes, but fulfilling the customer's wishes is the goal.

We suggest that clients dress comfortably while they're on site for a press okay. They'll view the press sheet under balanced 5,000° Kelvin lighting. They may work at the press or, if they prefer, in a viewing room where there's less noise.

During their review, customers should compare the final proofs to the printed sheets, confirming that all design elements are in place. They also should scan the copy, verifying that all type is present, including any special codes, version identification, etc. Check type density and clarity to see that it is evenly balanced, dense and crisp with no “tailing.” And check crossovers for consistent color matches.

To review images for visual match to the color proof, we recommend that a few sheets of the same substrate—SWOP specifies five—be placed underneath as a backing. Although we have already checked image register at press and verified that any special colors (e.g., PMS, metallics, etc.) are as specified, we encourage the customer to look at these details as well. Lastly, the client should do a final scan of the entire sheet for print quality, looking for extraneous marking or spots, and note any corrections to be made. Printing is not an exact science.

Elements such as design, layout and paper (surface texture, absorption and holdout) present complicating factors. Customers should rest assured that good printers work through them to meet or exceed expectations.