A New Concept of a Flatbed Offset Press.

Outside of the U.S., the printing industry uses flatbed offset presses, despite the many inherent design drawbacks, to produce press proofs. Register problems, slur, gear marks, long washup times, ink drying before getting to the stock, nearly impossible water balance control, and time involved are some of the drawbacks of proofing on a flatbed offset press. In an attempt to overcome these problems, Bobst Inc. has developed a new flatbed offset press incorporating all the available newest technology. The history of flatbed offset presses, Bobst's interest in developing a new press, the design of the new press, safety features, and applications of the new flatbed offset press are described.