One problem with offset printing is that the ink is usually not sufficiently dry after printing, and therefore direct further processing/finishing of printed sheets is not possible.

If cardboard is not sufficiently dry after printing, several problems can arise:

• Smudging: Wet ink can smear, leading to blurred text and images.
• Setoff: Ink from the printed surface may transfer onto the backside of the sheet, causing unwanted marks.
• Streaking or Uneven Finish: Inadequate drying can result in uneven gloss or texture, affecting the overall appearance.
• Adhesion Issues: If the ink isn’t fully dried, it may not properly bond with coatings or laminates, leading to peeling or flaking.
• Warping: Moisture can cause the cardboard to warp or buckle, impacting the structural integrity of the printed piece.
• Delays in Production: Insufficient drying can slow down the printing process, as the paper may need additional time or re-processing to fully cure.

In offset printing a sufficiently dry sheet that can be further processed is only achieved through special additional drying units integral to the machine.

Hot-air and infrared drying are state-of-the-art; in particular, UV drying, in conjunction with special inks, makes it possible for the sheet to be dry when it arrives in the delivery or to be directly further-processed in line.

In sheet-fed offset insufficient drying is often compensated for by the application of powder in the delivery section so that undesirable quality-reducing ink set off in the pile is prevented, and furthermore rather quicker finishing is possible .

Powdering is an additional operation bound up with costs, and it leads to certain areas of the press getting dirty, and therefore to extra cleaning work and possibly also quality-reducing effects (e.g., in print jobs with coating, or through the generally gloss-reducing effect of fine powder particles).

A particular challenge facing ink manufacturers is the development of new ink systems to bring about speedier drying.

A number of proposals are under discussion, for example the development of water-based, quick-drying offset inks.

The development of new drying equipment and drying processes is likewise just as great a challenge for the supply industry as it is for printing press manufacturers.