What is the difference between Heatset and Coldset (non-Heatset) Printing?
A. First of all, NEWSPRESS can provide both types of printing to its customers. Heatset printing is a process whereby once the ink is applied to the paper it next runs through a dryer then chill rollers in order to cure or “set” the ink. Once this is done the inks are immediately totally dry on the paper. This process eliminates all offsetting and marking one might expect when running cold. The heatset printing process is always necessary when slick stocks like coated or supercalendered grades of paper are used. The coldset process uses absorption and air to dry the inks and is usually suited well for newsprint type grades like standard newsprint, 35# groundwood hi-brights or 50# offset. NEWSPRESS uses semi-heatset inks for our 4 color web leads and the page 1 plate of all of our publications. This ink will dry to the touch in 30 minutes and prevent that ‘black fingers’ effect. Still, this is a coldset process and not applicable for slick stocks.
