Exploring Offset Printing: Benefits, Process, and Applications

In the realm of print as a manufacturing business, what type of printing method do you think is better suited to meet your needs? Are you choosing offset printing? Great if YES.

When considering offset printing for your next project, you must understand its significance and see how it transforms your idea into reality.

This blog will teach you the basics of offset litho printing and its types. You will learn the offset printing process along with its applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Here you go!

What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a printing method in which an inked image is transferred from a metal plate to a rubber blanket and then onto desired paper or other materials. It produces sharp, clear, and consistent quality of images while maintaining the print of large volumes of materials effectively.

This process brings the highest-quality and consistent prints and is perfect for large print runs such as newspapers, magazines, and books.

Want to explore more? Here is its history of offset printing explaining its origin. Let’s look into its journey.

A Historical Perspective on The Journey of Offset Printing

The origin of modern offset printing dates back to 1875 when a British inventor, Robert Barclay, used this printing technology with Richard March Hoe’s rotary printing press.

A cardboard-covered cylinder was used in this offset printing process to transfer the image from a stone to a metal surface. This invention laid the foundation for offset printing. It was just the beginning. Read on the next to explore the journey of offset printing.

In 1880, rubber was discovered as a more effective transfer technique for offset printing. Later on in 1903, an American inventor named Ira Washington Rubel refined this offset printing process by using a rubber blanket to print on the paper.

This resulted in a sharper image print when the image was transferred from the stone to the blanket and then to the paper material. It gave birth to modern offset lithography. This was not the end. The evolution started in the mid-20th century.

Evolution in Offset Printing

Offset printing became popular due to its versatility, cost-efficiency, and high-quality results in the mid of the 20th century. It happened in 1960 when more and more newspaper printers began to prefer modern offset printing presses and discarded outdated letterpress machines.

Computer-to-plate made a debut here at trade shows in 1995. This was another move that modernized this printing technique. In 1998, Heidelberg, a renowned name in the printing world, patented the gapless printing cylinder.

Next, in 2002, Manroland, a well-known company in the printing industry, developed a magnetic brake system for folders to speed up the printing process.

Today, offset printers are common in this printing method and are used for various applications such as newspapers, magazines, and books.

Wondering how this printing technique works? Read on!

How Offset Printing Works: Step-by-Step Process

The following points will help you understand how offset printing works:

• Plate Preparation: The plate is prepared to create each color used in the print job.
• Image Transfer: The plate is set and then inked with the desired image.
• Offset to Blanket: The inked plate transfers the designs or image to a rubber blanket cylinder.
• Blanket to Paper: The rubber blanket presses the image from the plate to the paper or other materials through an offset printing machine.

Different Types Of Offset Litho Printing

Here are three different types of offset printing that can help you meet your requirements. Each printing type has its own features, applications, and benefits.

1. Sheet-Fed Printing

It handles and prints on individual sheets of paper, which makes it the most suitable choice for a wide range of applications. For short runs and the highest-quality prints, this printing technique is perfect.

2. Web-Fed Printing

Printing on continuous large rolls of paper for long runs like newspapers and magazines makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

3. Quick-Set Printing

This type of printing is done through quick-set machines in which quick-set ink is used that sets quickly and dries slowly. For instruction manuals and trademarks, this printing is an excellent choice as its turnaround is faster and dries rapidly to bring the desired results.

Read More: What is The Difference Between Offset and Digital Printing?

After learning three different types of offset printing, let’s explore its benefits.

Pros Of Using Offset Printing

Offset printing is a great choice for clear and sharp images. Below are the key pros:

• High Quality: Produces sharp and clean images with excellent color accuracy.
• Cost-Effective For Long Runs: Cost-efficient for high volume and large-scale print jobs.
• Versatility: Suitable for a variety of materials and large formats such as paper, cardboard, and plastic.
• Durability: Prints through litho offset lithography printing are long-lasting and resistant to wear.
• Consistency: Produces consistent results throughout the large production runs.

Now, let’s pay heed to the drawbacks of offset printing.

Cons Of Using Offset Printing

Below are the cons of using offset printing.

• Extended Setup: This printing is time-consuming and requires a longer setup time to prepare printing plates.
• Complex Process: Involves multiple steps, which makes the process complex.
• Fixed Templates: Not a good choice for projects that require personalization.
• Eco Challenges: Uses chemicals in the printing process and generates less eco-friendly waste.
• Upfront Expense: A more expensive setup makes it less cost-effective for small print runs.

How to determine if offset lithography is right? Let’s answer it!

Choosing The Right Printing Technique

To get the right printing method, you must make a wise decision. These tips can help you.

• Print Volume: Large print runs are more cost-efficient when offset printing is used.
• Quality Output: Well-known for its high-quality print results.
• Faster Turnaround Time: Offers the shortest turnaround time.
• Customization Requirements: Digital printing, as compared to offset printing, is a far better choice for meeting customization needs.

In The End: What's The Future of Offset Printing

Offset printing is a widely used method that transfers inks from a plate to a rubber blanket onto a printing surface. It is ideal for bringing high-quality and efficient production of printed materials. To produce consistent results and handle large volumes, offset litho printing, which is most commonly used for printing books, newspapers, and packaging, is the preferred choice.

This offset printing technique is evolving as technology is advancing to help business manufacturers choose the right printing method, catering to their business needs.

If you need any assistance related to your packaging and printing, don’t hesitate to reach out to Custom Product Packaging and printing specialists through our email orders@customproductpackaging.com and see how we can serve you better and meet your expectations.

FAQs

1. Is offset printing better than digital?
It depends on specific needs. Each printing technique has its own strengths and benefits.

2. What are the disadvantages of offset printing?
There are several cons of offset printing.

• Complex process
• Longer set-up times 
• Higher initial costs
• Limited customization
• Uses chemicals
• Generate waste
• Raise environmental concerns

3. Is offset printing high-quality?
Yes, it is known for its high-quality print results.

4. What are the two types of offset printing?
The two main types of offset printing are:

• Sheet-fed offset printing
• Web offset printing

5. Is offset printing still used?
Yes, it is widely used today. It is especially used for high-volume printing like newspapers, magazines, and packaging

6. What is offset printing good for?
It produces high-quality and large-volume print jobs such as newspapers, magazines, books, and other materials.

7. What are examples of digital printing?
Its examples are:

• Business cards
• Brochures
• Posters
• Flyers