Offset printing is the term used to describe the production process of printouts. Offset printing is a process that involves the use of a Rotary offset lithographic printing press. There are many types of offset printing available. These include Coldset web offset printers, screen printing, duplicators, and more.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a process that transfers an image to a flat surface using a screen and ink. This type of printing is used for many different types of materials, including textiles and paper. The process involves a mesh screen coated with light-reactive emulsion. A squeegee is then used to apply ink to the mesh screen.
For the best results, the squeegee should be similar in size to the frame of the screen. If the design is very complex, you may want to use a firmer rubber blade. For multi-colored prints, the screen printer will need to apply several separate stencils to achieve the best result. Several screens can also be used to produce a multi-color print. It is also possible to create intricate designs with screen printing. However, it is more difficult to print intricate designs than to print a single colour.
Rotary Offset Lithographic Printing Press
Offset printing is an art and process that uses a rubber blanket to transfer an image from a metal plate to a print media, like paper or film. It can be used for medium and high-volume jobs. This process is also known as offset lithography.
Offset printing was invented by printer Ira Washington Rubel in 1903. He worked at a paper mill in Nutley, New Jersey. In 1901, he discovered that printing from a rubber roller was better than that from a metal one. The press was put into action in Rubel's plant in New York, and by 1907, it was working in San Francisco.
Before the invention of offset printing, images were drawn on flat stone or stone plate and transferred directly to the paper. However, these plates were fragile and they wore off very quickly on the printing surface.
Coldset Web Offset Printers
Coldset web offset printers are typically used for printing newspapers, flyers, coupon books, and direct mail. Using this method, a high quality print is available for a low cost. The coldset process uses less expensive paper and inks. This is ideal for large runs, and it can produce excellent color fidelity. However, it also has its drawbacks. It leaves residue on the paper, and has poor rub resistance.
Aside from the quality of the printed product, this method of printing also requires a lot of preparation time. For example, the printing plates and rubber blankets have to be prepared in advance, and the paper must be coated with a clear varnish before the printing process can commence.
Another advantage of this type of printing is that the ink stays on the paper surface even after it is dried. That is because inks used in this process absorb into the paper fibers and dry slowly.
Duplicators
Offset duplicators are small offset lithographic presses that can print two-color copies, business forms, postcards and other items. They can also be used for printing bulletins, labels, and other items. Despite their small size, they can produce as many as 12,000 impressions per hour.
Duplicators for offset printing companies are a great way to take control of production costs and speed. These machines offer high quality prints with fast dry times. And since they can handle run lengths that are too short for offset printers, they are an ideal solution for on demand production printing.
Digital duplicators for offset printing companies offer the durability and reliability of an offset press and the cost effectiveness of a copier. This is especially true when running short runs, such as envelopes.
Alternatives to Hiring an Offset Printing Company
If you are in the printing business, you know that there are a variety of options out there for you to choose from. It's important to select a method that is right for you. This means you'll need to make sure you choose a company with the right experience and expertise.
One of the best options is offset printing. This process uses custom metal plates and rubber rollers to transfer ink to the page. The image produced by this process is crisp and vibrant. Another option is digital printing. It is more flexible than offset, and can produce high quality prints for much less. However, its cost can be prohibitive for small print runs.
A third option is to hire a graphic design consultant. Depending on the size of your budget, this may or may not be the most cost-effective solution.