Offset is the most common printing technology. In offset printing, the desired print image is burned onto a plate and is then transferred (or offset) from the plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. The lithographic process is based on the repulsion of oil and water. The image to be printed gets ink from ink rollers, while the non printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non printing areas ink-free.
Advantages • High image quality. • Works on a wide range of printing surfaces including paper, wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper and plastic. • The unit cost goes down as the quantity goes up. • Quality and cost-effectiveness in high volume jobs.
While today’s digital presses are close to the cost/benefit ratio of offset for high quality work, they are not yet able to compete with the volume an offset press can produce.
