Summary

In April 1987, we presented the first results of a research project on Improved Print Quality and Better Usability of Newspaper Presses in Special Report 3.6. Whereas at that time our tests were confined to a laboratory press of narrow width on which only monochrome printing with print density at a constant low reading, for Part 2 we had at our disposal three production presses in four-colour printing and with the target to reach a maximum print density. It emerged that the web temperature must be raised to 60-80°C to avoid set-off when printing on LWC paper, and that the 2 m-long IR dryer should be followed immediately by a chilling unit. Remarkably good results were obtained with the new matt-coated MFC paper grades (Machine Finished Coated), especially now that their porosity and bulk has been improved. In contrast, there is still much to be done with regard to inks, especially the black inks, if they are to replace chromatic colours in achromatic separations. Perhaps the soybean-, rape-and linseed oil-based, highly concentrated inks mark the first steps in this direction. This aspect shall be investigated within the framework of a further IFRA/NATS research project. It is our aim with this Special Report to provide further tips on how you can improve the level of utilisation of your newspaper press by,using it to print high-quality commercial jobs between newspaper production runs. It is not intended as a collection of recepies, rather as a guide indicating the path tqfollow that can lead to success.