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What Is Offset Printing?

Offset printing

Offset printing is an incredibly reliable and commonly used form of printing. The beginning of modern offset printing can be traced back to 1875, which means it has had many years to develop and perfect its process. But what makes offset printing different from other forms of printing?

This article explains how offset printing works and what makes it a great printing option. For personalised advice, contact our team at Gorilla Print today.

The Offset Printing Process

Offset printing uses a cylinder, originally wrapped with cardboard, to transfer ink to different substrate materials. As the process developed, rubber replaced cardboard to allow the ink to adhere more closely to the cylinder’s surface. This allowed offset printing to create more detailed and consistent images.

Ink is first applied to separate metal plates to create the images on the cylinder. This ink only adheres to relevant sections on its surface to create the image, using water to separate the sections and keep the image clear. This plate is then pressed on the cylinder to transfer the image for printing.

The cylinder is then positioned above another, the impression cylinder. The relevant substrate material, often paper, is then fed between the two cylinders. The pressure created between the two applies the ink to the print.

This process is repeated several times as the image must be printed one colour at a time. So, for one printed image the substrate would go through the cylinders for a layer of blue, followed by red and yellow, each applied separately.

What is Offset Printing Used For?

Offset printing is an ideal printing method for several different types of projects. Most often it is used for printing magazines, newspapers, brochures, and flyers. Likewise, it is also common for offset printing to be used for posters, book printing, packaging, and even stationary such as letterheads and business cards.

As such, offset printing has developed to be able to print on a variety of substrate materials. These include paper and cardstock, thin sheets of plastic, metallic foils, and even thin fabrics, though not usually textiles.

Due to the design of the printing process, offset printing is only able to print on flat surfaces. However, it makes up for this drawback by offering several compelling benefits.

The Benefits of Offset Printing

There are several reasons offset printing is still relied upon today, such as:

1. Consistency and Quality

The method used for offset printing is one of the most reliable and consistent forms of printing. By pressing the image into place with metal sheets and a cylinder, every image is identical as the cylinder rolls to repeat the image. Likewise, with this method, you can ensure that every print matches the same level of detail and consistent colouring.

This is ideal for ensuring uniform results across larger runs, creating a professional image for your business or project.

2. Versatility

Offset printing is an incredibly versatile printing method. It is perfect for a range of products from books to magazines, posters and much more. Because of this, you can choose from a range of substrate materials, such as textured paper, to help make your printing project stand out.

Similarly, the inks and methods used will make your print more durable than others. This means your prints will last longer without fading, distorting, or becoming damaged. Because of this durability, your printing project is likely to reach a wider audience making more people aware of your work.

3. A Cost-Effective Solution

Offset printing is also perfect for large print runs. Because of the system, it can quickly and efficiently print multiple images at once. Because of this, costs per unit are often reduced as they are spread out across the entire process. This makes it a more cost-effective option for larger printing projects.

Likewise, offset printing can also use environmentally friendly materials and inks. This not only helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment but can prove to provide more sustainable options long term. Similarly, environmentally friendly prints are often seen in a more positive light. This can, in turn, boost your image and increase the effectiveness of your printed product.

Get The Most Out of Offset Printing With The Right Support

Offset printing is the perfect option for your printing projects. It creates high-quality, consistent prints that are long-lasting and effective. If you’re not sure where to start, contact our team at Gorilla Print. As experts in the printing industry, we can help guide your project to completion. Ensure every print is perfect with our support.

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