An image is transferred onto a rubber “blanket” and then rolled onto a sheet of paper using offset printing technology, which employs plates made of metal. Because the ink is not immediately transferred to the paper, this printing method is referred to as offset. Due to their efficiency, offset presses are the greatest option for printing big volumes and providing accurate color reproduction and a crisp, clean professional-looking finish.
Printing on offset presses evolved in three stages. The first rotary offset lithography printing press was patented in England in 1875 by Robert Barclay. Even while the printing process itself hasn’t changed, the technology behind offset printing has evolved tremendously. A photosensitive coating is applied to an aluminum plate that is between 15 and 70 microns thick. To begin with, getting the printing form was a very similar process. Film that was digitally lighted using CTF (computer-to-film) devices has become increasingly popular as photographic and preparation procedures become increasingly digitalized. In this manner, color separations were created, and the subsequent lighting process transferred them to the printing plate for printing.
A CTP (computer-to-plate) equipment now develops the printing plate by using direct illumination.
The three cylinders of an offset printer are:
• Cylindrical plate
A blanket cylinder with an offset.
• Cylinder used to make impressions
When printing with offset, both the image and the non-image areas are printed on the same flat surface.
Offset printing’s benefits include the following:
• It is possible to print large numbers at a reasonable price.
Cost per unit decreases when more pieces are printed.
It is possible to employ a wide range of paper types and treatments.
• Metallic and Pantone hues are available in special bespoke inks.
As much detail and colour fidelity as is possible in the printing process
Before beginning a new print run, the printing plates must be replaced and a few pages produced to ensure that the quality is at its best. This is known as the “make ready” time, and it can run up to 15 minutes, depending on the printing job’s complexity. Before printing another colour on a single-color press, make sure to thoroughly clean the ink system.
Images are placed on the plate cylinders and ink density parameters are adjusted to begin “making ready.” Color registration and ink/water balance are checked on the first batch of sheets printed at a low speed.
Printing off-set might have its drawbacks
• The offset technique necessitates more setup time due to the additional stages of manufacturing plates and completing the transfer. Fast turnaround, last-minute projects, and other time-sensitive situations are all made easier with digital printing.
• Is a personal touch required for your project? Digital printing is more efficient when it comes to creating personalized pieces like letters, postcards, or direct mail goods that require specific information, such as the recipient’s address.
Offset printing now accounts for 40 to 45 percent of all printed items. Although it had a 50% market share following World War II, this technique has since been overtaken by others like flexo printing.