Short-Run 4-Color Printing

The Screens print quantities of 100 to 2,500.

The Screens produce 1 to 4-color books.

The Screens can print from 40# to 70# along with 60# matte.

Typical turnaround time for short-run jobs is 15 days or less, depending on capacity. Please confirm schedules with your business development or account manager ⟶

Short-run books and on-demand titles are often produced using digital printing. Digital presses eliminate the need for printing plates and allow printers to produce smaller quantities economically.

Bradford & Bigelow uses Screen HD presses ⟶ and an HP digital press ⟶ to produce short and medium-runs.

The main difference between offset and digital printing is how the image is transferred onto paper.

Offset printing uses metal plates to transfer ink onto a rubber blanket, which then applies the image to paper. This traditional method is ideal for large print runs because once the press is set up, it can produce thousands of copies quickly and cost-efficiently with very consistent quality.

Digital printing, on the other hand, prints directly from a digital file to the paper without using plates. This eliminates much of the setup time and makes digital printing a great option for short runs, quick turnaround projects, and materials that require multiple versions or personalization. 

Digital printing provides several benefits for certain types of projects:

• No printing plates or makeready costs

• Faster setup and turnaround times

• Economical short runs

• Ability to print variable or personalized content

• Easier versioning for multiple editions

Digital printing is ideal when:

• Print quantities are relatively small

• Content changes frequently

• Multiple versions or editions are required

• Fast turnaround times are needed

• Personalization or variable data printing is required

Because digital presses eliminate plate creation and reduce setup time, printers can switch quickly between jobs and produce shorter runs more efficiently. This reduces waste and allows a faster response to changing print needs.

Bradford & Bigelow accepts press-ready PDFs (fonts must be embedded).

*Note that files submitted in other formats may require extra processing time and could incur additional processing fees; please speak with a business development manager for more information ⟶

Yes. Bradford & Bigelow is equipped to manage complex print programs that include multiple versions, SKUs, or components. This is common for our educational publishing clients that produce regional editions, grade-level variations, or customized kits.

Our production workflow is designed to efficiently manage versioned content through coordinated scheduling, precise inventory tracking, and flexible manufacturing capabilities across both offset and digital printing. Once printed, materials can be assembled into kits, packaged by SKU, and sent to districts, your warehouse, or stored in our warehouse for ongoing fulfillment and distribution ⟶

Printers use standardized color calibration systems and quality management processes to maintain consistency across print runs.

Bradford & Bigelow uses advanced color management practices such as G7 calibration ⟶ which helps ensure accurate and repeatable color reproduction across different presses and materials.

The company also maintains an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system ⟶ which ensures documented processes and continuous improvement across production. 

Bradford & Bigelow operates a range of specialized printing technologies designed to support different types of projects from high-volume book manufacturing to flexible short-run digital printing. Learn more about our product equipment: 

• Timson ZMR Web Offset Presses ⟶

• Manroland Lithoman Web Offset Presses ⟶

• HP Digital Press Technology ⟶

• Screen HD Digital Press Technology ⟶