a production unit for a printing material processing machine includes a drive , a computer , a cylinder and an associated impression cylinder having a circumference different from that of the cylinder . provision is made to detect an increase in drive torque on the cylinder and to calculate therefrom a differential angle of rotation varying at least over one revolution between the cylinder and the impression cylinder in the computer , to be used to actuate the drive of the cylinder . a printing press having at least one production unit is also provided .