Why Offset Printing?
Offset printing is a long-established and proven technique for printing high-quality images and materials, offering the most economical and cost-saving approach for commercial printing in large quantities. The process involves transferring an inked image, which is “offset” from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to a printing surface. When combined with lithography, which is based on repelling oil and water, a flat image carrier obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printed area attracts a water-based film, called a “fountain solution”, which keeps the non-printed areas free of ink.
Ink amounts can be adjusted on the fountain roller by electronic screw keys, which the printer users to adjust the gap between the fountain roller and a metal blade that controls the amount of ink that is transferred. The end result is an ability to adjust color density and achieve precise, high-quality results in images and type.
Since offset printing requires the production of printing plates, there is more setup and time required to prepare for a print run. So offset printing is not ideal for smaller quantity jobs, which are a better fit for our digital printing services. But consistently high image quality and the long life of printing plates make offset printing the preferred option for high-volume commercial printing. Properly developed plates and optimal inks and fountain solution can achieve extended print runs that ensure the best results and save costs in the long run.
Whether you are printing postcards, self-mailers, brochures, stationery, or any other type of material, if your project calls for large volumes, then offset printing services are almost always your best option. To learn more about the advantages of offset press technology and get answers to all of your printing questions, contact one of our friendly experts today.