Offset printing is a printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, 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 (planar) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.
In printing, an offset is the distance between the impression cylinder and the print cylinder on a printing press. The print image is transferred (or “offset”) from the impression cylinder to the print cylinder. The print image on the print cylinder is then transferred to the paper.
When a printer is creating a book, they will use a process called offset printing. This is where the inked image is transferred from the metal plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. The advantage of offset printing is that it can produce large quantities of prints very quickly and cheaply.
The purpose of an offset is to prevent the print image from being smeared by the impression cylinder. The smearing can occur if the print image is not perfectly aligned with the print cylinder.
The offset can be adjusted to compensate for misalignment between the print image and the print cylinder. The adjustment is usually made by moving the print cylinder relative to the impression cylinder.
The term “offset” can also refer to the distance between the print image and the edge of the paper. This offset is usually created by the print cylinder being offset from the center of the paper.
The offset can be used to create special effects in printing. For example, the print image can be made to appear larger or smaller than it actually is.
Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface.