~ By Jorge Rocha, Book Sales Representative – British Columbia, Alaska, and Hawaii
We’re always looking for ways to deliver exceptional print quality while staying efficient and flexible. One of the standout technologies in our toolkit is the HP PageWide T250 Inkjet web press, a powerful solution that’s changing how we approach book production, especially for shorter runs and backlist titles.
PRINT QUALITY THAT STANDS UP
For black and white text-oriented books, the HP Inkjet delivers print quality that matches traditional web offset presses. This means that publishers can expect crisp, consistent results without compromising on visual integrity.
SMART ECONOMICS
The Inkjet shines when it comes to shorter print runs, typically starting at 350 to around 2,000 copies, depending on page count. Compared with large format Web presses, it’s a more cost-efficient option for these quantities, making it ideal for publishers managing tight budgets or testing demand.
A BACKLIST GAME-CHANGER
Managing inventory for backlist titles can be tricky. The HP Inkjet offers a smart solution by enabling shorter, cost-effective runs that help keep stock levels lean and responsive. It’s a great fit for those looking to avoid overprinting while still meeting reader demand.
COLOUR WHERE IT COUNTS
While the HP Inkjet isn’t designed for high-fidelity colour reproduction like Offset or Digital toner presses, it performs well for books with basic colour elements or pleasing colour expectations. Education materials, catalogues, and history books are great examples where the inkjet can deliver solid results without the need for premium colour fidelity.
EFFICIENT USE OF COLOUR IN B&W BOOKS
The inkjet is particularly useful for black and white books that include a few colour pages…think poetry collections with art inserts. Instead of running the whole book on a colour press, the Inkjet allows for per-page colour pricing, which can significantly reduce costs.
BETTER RESULTS FOR CHALLENGING IMAGES
Books with lower-quality black and white images, like archival photos in history titles for example, can benefit from the HP Inkjet’s ability to optimize image output. Unlike Web offset, which may suffer from dot gain resulting in image degradation, the Inkjet helps these visuals look their best.
