What is Offsetting?
Offset printing is a printing process where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. It gets its name from the fact that the ink is not transferred directly to the paper from the plates as it is in intaglio printing or gravure printing.
The offset printing process was invented in 1875 by Robert Barclay of England, who used it to print on tin. The offset process was later perfected by American printer Ira Washington Rubel in 1903. Offset printing is the most common form of printing used today for books, magazines, newspapers, and commercial printing.
The main advantage of offset printing is that it is a relatively low-cost printing process. This is because the plates used in offset printing can be used over and over again. In addition, offset printing is a very versatile printing process and can be used to print on a variety of different substrates, including paper, cardboard, and plastic.
Offsetting 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, it is possible to print on almost any surface, including paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic.
Despite its many advantages, offset printing is not without its disadvantages. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost of the equipment and supplies needed to produce offset prints. Additionally, offset printing can be messy and time-consuming, making it less than ideal for small-scale or personal projects.
Despite its drawbacks, offset printing remains one of the most popular printing methods available. Its speed, efficiency, and high-quality prints make it the perfect choice for large-scale printing projects. For small-scale or personal projects, however, other printing methods may be more suitable.