Offset printing is a type of lithographic printing. To put it simply, offset printing is a printing method that uses a rubber (blanket) to transfer the graphics and text on the printing plate to the substrate. It is also the existence of the rubber blanket that makes this printing method possible. name. The blanket plays an irreplaceable role in printing. For example, it can well make up for the uneven surface of the substrate, allowing the ink to be fully transferred. It can reduce the water on the printing plate (see below for the role of water in printing). ) to the substrate, etc. The above is just a general concept. What we usually call offset printing may be narrower, that is, the lithographic printing method with three rollers (printing plate, blanket, and embossing). In the south of our country, this printing method is called Offset printing.
Offset printing is one of the most common ways of producing prints. Common applications include: newspapers, magazines, brochures, stationery and books. Compared to other printing methods, offset printing is best suited for producing high-quality prints in large quantities in an economical manner with very low maintenance costs.
Other Printing Methods
Digital Printing: Ideal for short runs and variable data printing, digital printing offers flexibility and quick turnaround times without the need for printing plates.
Flexographic Printing: Suitable for large-volume production, this method uses flexible relief plates and fast-drying inks, making it cost-effective for long runs.
Screen Printing: Used for specialized applications like printing on irregular surfaces or applying thick layers of ink, screen printing provides vibrant colors and durability.
There are two types of offset printing: wet offset printing and waterless offset printing. Wet offset printing uses a mixed dampening solution (fountain solution) to control ink adhesion and protect non-image areas. Waterless offset printing takes a different approach, protecting the non-image areas of the plate with a layer of ink-resistant silicone.
Commonly used paper
There are many types of paper used in offset printing, and the properties of each paper are also different. Even for the same type of paper, the quality will vary due to the different manufacturing processes of each factory. The commonly used papers for offset printing are briefly described as follows:
1. Offset paper (commonly known as Dowling paper) is a paper commonly used by offset printing machines for multiple color registrations. It is often used in offset printing to print various promotional brochures, book covers, maps, illustrations, trademark advertisements, etc.
2. Coated paper (also called printing coated paper) is a high-grade paper that is coated with a layer of white paint on the surface of the original paper and processed by super calendering. In offset printing, it is often used to print albums, pictorials, calendars, annual calendars, product samples and refined illustrations, etc.
3. Whiteboard paper Because of its hard texture, large thickness and weight, some packaging, decoration and trademark printing factories often use it to print various packaging cartons and trademarks.
4. Newsprint (commonly known as white newspaper) is rarely used in offset printing because of its soft texture, thin thickness and light weight. It is only used to print newspapers and so on.
