What does a web-fed printing press utilize during the printing process?

A web-fed printing press utilizes a long roll of paper or ribbon, known as a web, during the printing process. This method is distinct from sheet-fed presses, which use individual sheets of paper. The continuous roll allows for faster production speeds and is particularly effective for high-volume printing tasks, such as newspapers and magazines.

The web can be unwound and fed through the press, where ink is applied directly onto the paper in rapid succession. This efficiency is key to meeting the demands of larger print runs, as it minimizes downtime and waste associated with changing individual sheets. Additionally, because of the way the web-fed press operates, it can support inline processes such as cutting, folding, and finishing, which simplifies the production workflow.

Understanding the function of web-fed printing presses is essential for grasping how modern printing technology supports large-scale projects and the logistics involved in producing printed materials in bulk.