Offset Printing

Offset Printing is the process of taking a print file, digital or physical, creating plates, and printing using a series of rollers, and pressing an image onto the paper. Often used for longer runs (over 1,000 pieces) offset printing allows for a consistent and cheaper alternative than digital printing. 

A pre-press operator takes the image that is to be created, and creates plates that contain different sections that use different ink colors. Often matched to a pantone color, inks are mixed using the ratio provided. Once the plates are created, the plates are inserted into the press. Using the required inks, and water, the press is now ready to operate. Water is a key part of press operation, as water deters ink from sticking to all of the paper. The plate cylinder then revolves and deposits ink onto the blanket roller. The fusing roller then presses the ink to the paper, fusing the ink to the sheet.

Press printing is faster than digital printing in terms of how many pieces you can run at a time, but with the additional pre-press setup and drying time, press printing does take longer.

Press operation provides printing companies the opportunity to price projects in a cost effective way for both the customer and the company.