The process involves grinding the damaged areas of blanket, plate or impression cylinders. They are then coated with galvanised or standard steel to a thickness of 15m using Schmtzer's Sleeve Technology, all without removing the cylinder.

According to Cylinder-Tech owner Giles Tallott, the Leeds-based firm can repair a six-cylinder press in two days.

"The price and production down-time is a fraction of that involved in replacing the cylinders," said Tallott.

The firm, which also carries out traditional cylinder damage repairs, has already undertaken Schmtzer repairs for a number of UK printers.