Pittsburgh, Pa., July 23, 2002 — With the installation of a new four-unit MAN Roland ROTOMAN web offset press, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) is expanding its web offset press training programs offered to the industry. Additionally, the new press will enhance existing GATF web offset press training programs that demonstrate how to improve quality, productivity, and profits. Through the generosity of 20 other suppliers, the 16-page commercial web offset is equipped with a variety of the latest on-press technology and web accessories, making it a unique and state-of-the-art press. Two of GATF’s stalwart workshops—Web Offset Press Operating (August 5-9 and September 30-October 4, 2002) and Advanced Web Press Operations (August 12-14 and October 21-23, 2002)—will initiate hands-on training on the ROTOMAN. The two new workshops added to GATF’s web offset press workshops offerings will premiere later this fall. Slashing Makeready—Web, taking place November 6–8, 2002, is devoted to the "secrets" to slashing makeready on the web offset press and becoming more productive with shorter makereadies. Plant managers, quality assurance managers, press operators, and production supervisors will learn the tools and techniques that can be put to use immediately. "Exciting technologies being incorporated into web presses are sure to make an impact," says Sara Hantz, GATF’s workshop coordinator. "The heatset web press of the future will be more energy efficient and more productive with shorter makereadies. We’ve developed this new workshop to show common process inefficiencies during makereadies and how to overcome them, how to analyze makereadies, and what pitfalls to avoid when implementing quick makeready in your plant." Hantz invites workshop attendees to bring a company makeready video for the class to review. The other new workshop, Troubleshooting Web Offset Press Problems, is for those who want to become a web press expert. Taking place October 30–November 1, it is devoted to diagnosing and correcting the most common problems in web press operation, from streaking to excessive ink emulsification. Attendees will learn the causes of each problem and what corrective actions to take. These problems will be discussed and then demonstrated on the SIR Heatset Web Offset Training Simulator, a virtual press. Both new workshops are $995 ($795 for GATF/PIA members). For more information about these workshops or any GATF workshop, contact Sara Hantz, GATF workshop coordinator, by phoning 800/910-GATF ext. 113 or emailing [email protected]. The free November 2001–December 2002 Training Programs Catalog, providing details on all courses and the background of instructors, can be obtained by phoning 800/662-3916 (U.S. and Canada) or 412/741-5733 (all other countries); faxing 412/741-0609; or emailing [email protected]. Mail requests to GATF Orders, P.O. Box 1020, Sewickley, PA 15143-1020. GATF has been providing hands-on-training for the industry for 66 years.