What Is Web Printing?

If you’ve ever seen newspapers flying through a giant press on continuous rolls of paper, you’ve witnessed web printing in action.

Web printing is a high-speed offset printing process that uses large rolls (or “webs”) of paper instead of individual sheets. It's ideal for high-volume print jobs—making it a go-to choice for campaigns that need to move fast and scale big.

At Century Direct, we specialize in advanced web printing technologies that combine speed, quality, and personalization to support high-impact campaigns. Here’s a look at how web printing works, how it compares to other printing methods, and when it’s the right fit for your project.

When Should You Use Web Printing?

Web printing is most efficient for runs of 50,000 pieces or more and is often used for formats such as:

• Direct Mail Campaigns
  
• Catalogs & Magazines
  
• Brochures & Booklets
  
• Newspapers & Calendars
  
• Postcards & Order Forms
  
• Books & Self-Mailers

One of its biggest advantages? Many web presses can perform inline finishing—cutting, folding, gluing, or perforating—right on the press, so the product comes off ready to mail or distribute.

Types of Web Printing: Heatset vs. UV Web

Two primary drying methods are used in web printing: Heatset and UV web printing.

Heatset Printing

Heatset printing uses high-temperature dryers to evaporate ink solvents. It works well on coated or uncoated stock, but the paper comes out too hot for immediate finishing, so chill rollers are used to cool it before cutting or folding.

UV Web Printing

UV web printing uses ultraviolet light to cure the ink instantly. Unlike heatset, UV presses can dry ink between each print unit, allowing for greater flexibility—such as printing 5 colors on one side and 3 on the other in an 8-color press.

At Century Direct, we operate UV web presses, which means:

• Faster drying and turnaround
  
• Better PMS color integrity alongside 4-color process
  
• Compatibility with immediate downstream processing (imaging, binding, personalization)

Advantages of Web Printing

Web printing brings serious benefits when speed, scale, and efficiency matter most:

• Fast Output: Up to 500 feet per minute (approx. 50,000+ sheets per hour)
  
• Cost Efficiency: Paper rolls are more affordable than sheets; inline finishing reduces third-party handling
  
• Two-Sided Printing: Achieve duplex printing in a single pass
  
• Inline Finishing: Save time and costs with built-in folding, gluing, or die cutting
  
• Ideal for Personalization: Combine with variable data for targeted direct mail

Note: Sheet-fed printing may be a better fit for smaller jobs under 50,000 pieces or those requiring heavy cardstock.

Web Printing vs. Sheet-Fed Printing

Want a breakdown of which option is best for your campaign? Let’s talk.

Century Direct’s Web Press Capabilities

We offer several high-performance web presses to meet the needs of complex, high-volume campaigns:

HP PageWide Web Press T250 HD

• Speeds: Up to 500 ft/min (~152 m/min)
  
• Volume: 62 million U.S. letter-size images per month
  
• Full digital/variable printing support (1:1 personalization)
• HP Color Vision / QUICK (quality image check), built-in calibration, alignment monitoring
• Ideal for direct mail campaigns that need to drive ROI fast

Muller Martini 10-Color Variable Press

• 10-color output for unmatched brand color accuracy
  
• Inline die cutting, pattern gluing, scratch-and-sniff, and scent features
  
• Roll or sheet output with coated and uncoated stock flexibility
  
• Supports dynamic visual design for high-impact engagement

Muller Martini 8-Color Variable Press

• Offers dynamic PMS and 4-color blending across sides
  
• Supports emotional design strategies using color psychology
  
• Ideal for marketing campaigns where color is key to conversion

Didde Glaser

• Reliable for straightforward, high-volume runs
  
• Inline gluing and plow folding
  
• 4-color roll-to-sheet output for essential campaign materials

Is Web Printing Right for Your Next Project?

If your campaign requires speed, scale, personalization, or full-service execution, web printing might be the most efficient—and cost-effective—choice.

At Century Direct, we’ve spent decades helping marketers succeed with complex direct mail and high-volume printing. Whether you need print-only support or full direct mail production and mailing services, we’re ready to help.

Contact us today for a free quote or to discuss your campaign needs.