Gourt > Business > Publishing and Printing > Printing > Processes > Offset Lithography (1)
Offset printing is a widely used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate first 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 (planographic) 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 nonprinting areas ink-free.
The advantages of offset printing include:
- Consistent high image quality — sharper and cleaner than letterpress printing because the rubber blanket conforms to the texture of the printing surface
- Usability on a wide range of printing surfaces in addition to smooth paper (e.g., wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper)
- Quick and easy production of printing plates
- Longer plate life than on direct litho presses — because there is no direct contact between the plate and the printing surface.
History
The first lithographic offset printing press was created in England around 1875 and was designed for printing on metal. The offset cylinder was covered with specially treated cardboard that transferred the printed image from the litho stone to the surface of the metal. About five years later, the cardboard covering of the offset cylinder was changed to rubber, which is still the most commonly used material. More on [ Offset printing ]
Lithography :: Printmaking
Commercial Printing :: Products
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How Offset Printing Works - A detailed step-by-step explanation of the process, including photos and text.
Meta Description: [ Offset printing is the technology that makes most magazines and catalogs possible. Learn how the offset process puts amazing full-color images on paper! ]
Offset Lithographic Printing - Detailed information about the process and its most common uses. Provided by the Printers' National Environmental Assistance Center.
Meta Description: [ For information on the environment and printing, The Printers' National Environmental Assistance Center
(PNEAC) is the premier website. It is an excellent source of information for printers, regulators, or anyone seeking information on
printing and the environment. We feature fact sheets, case ... ]
Offset Lithography - Simplified description of the basics of the process, illustrated with diagrams.
Meta Description: [ The independent guide to print and printing in the UK. A free resource of printing knowledge and print price information ]
Waterless Printing Association - International trade association for the offset lithographic printing process known as waterless printing. Includes information about the process.
Meta Description: [ The Waterless Printing Association is a world-wide, non-profit trade association dedicated to waterless printing and its various forms which include analog, Direct Imaging (DI) and Computer to Plate (CtP). The association seeks to inform and educate printers and print buyers about the productivi... ]
WebMart Ltd - UK company offers assistance in finding prices and sources for web printing.
Meta Description: [ WebMart Ltd - print solutions in web-offset, gravure, point of purchase and sheetfed ]
White Oak Press - White Oak Press are specialists in the provision of bespoke offset litho printing and print management services.
Meta Description: [ White Oak Press are specialists in the provision of bespoke offset litho printing and print management services. ]
| emphasis on offset lithography. A must-see for graphic designers, artists, and anyone who buys print. ... printing ... | |
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