Offset printing is a printing method where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area is kept ink-free.
When it comes to book printing, offset printing is by far the most popular printing method used. This is because offset printing is a very versatile printing method that can be used to print on a variety of different paper types and weights, and it can also be used to print books in a variety of different sizes.
So, what is offset printing? Offset printing is a printing method where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. The offset printing process can be used to print on paper, cardboard, plastic, and even metal.
The offset printing process starts with the creation of a printing plate, which is basically a negative of the image that you want to print. The plate is then placed on the printing press, and ink is applied to the plate. The ink is then transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface.
The offset printing method is often used for large print runs, and sometimes for printing newspapers. It generally provides a higher quality image than either digital printing or screen printing, and can be more cost effective for long print runs.
The main advantage of offset printing is that it can produce large quantities of prints quickly and relatively cheaply. This is because the plates used in offset printing can be used over and over again, which means that once the initial costs have been paid, each subsequent print is relatively inexpensive.
Another advantage of offset printing is that it produces a higher quality image than either digital printing or screen printing. This is because the inks used in offset printing are laid down in a more controlled manner, which results in a sharper and more consistent image.