Printing, Labels & Industrial Converting worked example

Press Speed at 99% expected line efficiency: a worked example

What does the result look like when expected line efficiency reaches 99%? The full calculation is worked below with real intermediate numbers. Use it when press speed in printing, labels and industrial converting needs a defensible speed setpoint before a run starts.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Target good output: 400 units / hr (unchanged)
  • Repeat length or travel per unit: 18 in (unchanged)
  • Expected line efficiency: 99 % (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 90)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Required press speed throughput = target press speed output รท expected efficiency) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 10.1 ft/min for required press speed, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 404 pieces / hr for required press speed throughput.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 18 in for press speed pitch or travel length.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 99 % for expected press speed efficiency.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where expected line efficiency sits at 90% and the headline result is 11.11 ft/min, this scenario comes in 9.09% below the baseline at 10.1 ft/min.
  • A figure at this level is achievable when expected line efficiency is genuinely sustained, not just peaked for a shift. It assumes the press can physically hold the calculated speed with acceptable print quality, which anilox, drying, and registration limits may not allow at long repeats.

Results at a glance

  • Required press speed: 10.1 ft/min (headline result)
  • Required press speed throughput: 404 pieces / hr
  • Press speed pitch or travel length: 18 in
  • Expected press speed efficiency: 99 %

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Press Speed calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.