Cold web is a type of offset lithographic printing done on presses that print sheets from rolls of paper.
In cold web printing, the ink dries by absorption into the paper. For this reason, cold web presses print only on uncoated stock.
Cold web printing has long been the choice of many print buyers for a wide variety of direct mail components. Printed products such as 2 - 8 page letters, 4 page brochures, buck slips and the like are all produced very cost-effectively in this way.
Collateral material for catalogs such as bind- in cards, blow in cards and applications also work well on the webs. They can be printed on text weight stock or mailing weight such as 7 point or 9 point high-bulk with single or multiple perforations done in-line for maximum efficiency.
Billing statements, cut- sheet laser letters, letterhead typically produced on either 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14 size sheets all are an excellent fit for the webs.
With all the various products crossing a print-buyer’s desk, it’s sometimes not easy to determine the best method for producing each specific piece. A typical printing company may not have all the equipment necessary to produce each item in the most cost-effective manner.
A smart print-buyer will practice what’s known as “print-specific buying”. This simply means that each component of a various package will be sourced to the printer that has the right equipment for that particular piece. This may take a little more time and effort but it will ultimately lead to each piece being done in the best way at the lowest cost.
What Makes a Great Job for the Cold Web?
Stock - Must be uncoated and within a weight of 30# at the lightest and 9 point high-bulk (approximately #115 text) at the heaviest.
Size – the cold webs print from rolls down to sheets. The largest possible sheet size measures 22” x 23”.
The most common cut sheet sizes coming off the press are 11 x 17 and 17 x 22. The ideal sizes that cut or fold from those sheets are:
6 up - 3 ½ x 8 ½ buck slips or cards
2 up - 8 ½ x 11 cut sheets
1 up - 11 x 17 folded to 8 ½ x 11 – 4 page booklet
8, 12 or 16 pages – 8 ½ x10 ¾ folded, glue bound or saddle stitched
While these sizes are popular and the most economical, there is no limit on the sizes that can be produced on the cold web provided it’s at or below the maximum sheet size of 22” x 23”.
Color – anything up to 8 colors including 4-color-process on both sides (4/4) can be handled easily. This is done in a single pass saving time and cost and ensuring uniform color and coverage throughout.
Quantity – beginning at 5,000 (minimum) up to 1,000,000 + (depending on the item)
Products that Work Well with Cold Web Printing
Direct mail components in general. Think about what is inserted into an envelope, 2 page - 8 page letters, 4 page brochures, buck slips and the like.
Collateral material for catalogs such as bind- in cards, blow in cards, and applications all work well on the webs. They can be printed on text weigh stocks or mailing weight such as 7pt or 9 point hi-bulk with single or multiple perforations.
Statements, Bills or Letterhead – These are typically produced in letter or legal size both of which are an excellent fit for the cold web.
Folded letters or Disclosures – These can be folded either to fit in a #10 or in a tight, map-style multi fold.
Brochures, Newsletters and Booklets –
Placemats, Pads, and a Plethora of other Products! Including anything with a Perforation
We hope you find this information useful. Your comments, as always, are much appreciated.
