xerox DC machine for magazines

[kristianeyman]

i know that most people are going to say to send it to offset, but why not do magazines on a digital press? i am thinking about 2-5K copies a month with 100 pages inside finsihed with hot melt and lamination. does anyone have experience with this type of work or should i steer clear of anything over 1000 prints on digital? thanks, kristian!

 

[Craig]

My opinion is that if you can sell it... fine. Chances are the cost to produce at that qty it may be at or below the break even point with offset. Speaking with a little experience with the Xerox DC line I would say the 8000/7000/5000 series would be the best bet, other than that, the 800/1000 may be a better option with perfect binding unless you plan on springing for an iGen. Having gone head to head with book printers for some local authors, I can tell you there is a larger niche than you may think for this kind of digital work.

 

[X33]

it's a numbers game. How much does it cost you on digital vs offset based on the volume. Don't forget about turnaround time.

Also, I've seen people do runs of more than 5,000 magazines in digital just because offset couldn't do the job (the magazine had variable pages inside so each one was unique).

 

[kristianeyman]

yes, i think this is the question or problem. with variable pages 50-100 making plates or direct to print on my qmdi could be more expensive? i think with bad pages and set up and wash time on a offset press it might be worth it do print digital. also you have to take into effect the pressman and the electricity. my other question is do you think a 2060 or 6060 would be able to handle this type of a workload? or even perhaps a 240/250? thanks!

 

[Craig]

my other question is do you think a 2060 or 6060 would be able to handle this type of a workload? or even perhaps a 240/250? thanks!

Maybe, but what is yor volume going to be and how long do you expect to run it?

 

[kristianeyman]

i am thinking about 1000 copies a month with about 50-100 pages inside...

 

[Possumgal]

A 240 would take about a month to do a job that size. :> Seriously, a 240 is slowwww. Besides, if you get just enough machine to do the job, you'll be in trouble when you get more work for it.