Offset printing is a method in which an inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate onto a rubber blanket and the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process based on oil/water repulsion, offset printing employs a flat (planar) image carrier where only areas that will be printed receive ink from ink rollers. In contrast, non-printing sites attract water films, which keep these areas uncoated by ink.
An offset in printing refers to the distance between an impression cylinder and a print cylinder on a printing press, where an image is “offset” from one to another and eventually onto paper.
Printers using offset printing will rely on this process when producing books, as it entails transferring inking from metal plates onto rubber blankets and then onto printing surfaces. Offset printing offers the advantage of being quick and cheap when creating large numbers of prints quickly and economically.
Offsets prevent print images from being smeared by impression cylinders, as smearing can occur if their alignment with print cylinders isn’t precise.
Adjustments can be made to correct misalignment between the print image and cylinder by moving them relative to each other.
Offset refers to the distance between an image printed onto paper and its edges, often caused by having its print cylinder offset from its original position on the page.
Offset printing allows printers to achieve special effects in printing. For instance, they can make images appear larger or smaller than they are.
Offset printing is an established technique in which an inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket and eventually to the printing surface.