Direct mail continues to perform well, with an average 4.4% response rate according to the ANA/DMA Response Rate Report, but making the decision between heatset and coldset printing is where businesses get held up. Heatset and coldset printers offer different benefits depending on what you’re printing and how much you need to print. Coldset looks like the cheaper choice, but it isn’t always. On a high-volume run where you also want sharper quality, heatset can cost less per piece. Speed can break either way too, depending on the job. In this blog, we’ll discuss the difference between heatset and coldset printing, and how they impact cost, speed and quality in campaigns.
When to Use Heatset vs. Coldset Printing Methods
When is Heatset Printing Used?
Heatset printing is used when a glossy, high-quality coating, sharper print quality and smudge-free results are desired. Since the process uses industrial ovens and chilled rollers, it’s the ideal process for creating high-volume prints with fast turnaround times. This printing process is ideal for high-quality magazines and catalogs, brochures and direct mail flyers where you want the maximum audience impact at first glance.
When is Coldset Printing Used?
Coldset printing is used when print quality doesn’t matter as much, when companies prioritize budget over smudge-free results, and when the words on the paper matter more than the overall appearance. This printing process is great for newspapers, paperbacks, direct mail pieces and catalogs where large amounts of text take precedent over vivid, sharp images.
The Impact of Heatset and Coldset Printing on Cost, Speed and Quality
What is the Cost of Heatset vs. Coldset Printing?
Typically, the cost of heatset printing is often higher than coldset because it uses an extra heating and cooling step to set the ink into the paper, ensuring smudge-free results. The cost of coldset printing is usually lower because the ink sets by soaking into the paper and isn’t nearly as crisp or colorful.
Is Heatset or Coldset Printing Faster?
Heatset usually has the edge on turnaround times. The web presses run fast, and because the ink comes off the press dry, finishing and bindery can start right away. Coldset runs are simpler mechanically, but the ink sets by soaking into the uncoated stock, so the work may need time before it moves to the next step. On a high-volume job with a deadline, that press-dry advantage is what tends to keep heatset on schedule.
Does Heatset or Coldset Printing Offer the Highest Quality?
Heatset printing offers superior print quality over coldset printing. The process sets the ink using high-temperature ovens and chilled rollers. The result is crisp, vibrant text and images with a glossy finish. Whereas coldset results in your usual newspaper or paperback style print.
Related Content: Heatset vs. Coldset Printing: Which Method is Right for You?
Quick Comparison: Heatset vs. Coldset Printing
While heatset and coldset printing both work relatively well for high-volume prints, heatset is often the higher quality option used to stand out, while coldset is the more cost-efficient, lower quality option used for simple prints. Both options are decent, but are used for different outcomes.
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Heatset vs. Coldset Printing: Cost, Speed and Quality
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Printing Type
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Cost
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Speed
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Quality
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Ideal for
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Heatset Printing
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⭐⭐
Low cost for high-volume prints
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⭐⭐⭐
Fast print runs and ink drying process
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⭐⭐⭐
High quality, glossy finish, zero smudging
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Magazines, direct mail inserts, catalogs, flyers, etc.
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Coldset Printing
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⭐
Low cost all around
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⭐⭐
Mid-range production speed; requires dry time
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⭐
Lower quality prints, possibility of smudging
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Newspapers, ad circulars, paperbacks, coupons, direct mail, etc.
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Related Content: Heatset vs. Coldset Press Lines in Commercial Printing
Why Working With a Print Partner That Offers Both Matters
The choice between heatset and coldset printing is entirely dependent on the unique use case and project goals. While some projects require the high-quality results and crisp images that come with heatset, other projects work great with the simple coldset approach. Plenty of companies end up using both depending on the job.
One study by the USPS Household Diary Study states that U.S. households received an average of about 20 periodicals and 6 newspapers per household. Both options are still in demand. Oftentimes, the best approach is to switch between the printing options depending on your current campaign and high-volume print needs.
If you are looking into a commercial print partner that offers both heatset and coldset printing options, Signature Graphics offers a variety of options in Portland, Oregon and Spokane, Washington. With multiple print presses at each of our two locations, we help companies get the best results for their unique project needs. Ready to get your next run on the press?
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