Offset printing is a popular method of printing that uses plates to transfer images onto a substrate. It offers high-quality printing and is cost-effective for large-scale printing. If you work in the packaging industry, you may know what offset/lithography printing means.
In this blog, we will briefly discuss offset printing and how it works.
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing also refers to lithography printing, which involves transferring ink from a printing plate onto a rubber blanket, then transferring the ink onto the packaging material. This technique best suits large print runs and can produce high-quality and consistent results.
Offset printing is commonly used for packaging applications such as cardboard boxes, labels, and inserts.
Types of Offset Printing
Further offset printing can be divided into two types, such as
- Sheet-fed offset printing
- Web offset printing
Sheet-fed offset printing
Paper is fed into the printing press individually in sheet-fed offset printing. Each sheet is printed individually, allowing for greater color accuracy and the ability to print on various paper stocks.
Web offset printing
In this type of offset printing, large rolls of paper are fed through the press, allowing for faster printing speeds and higher volumes. Web offset printing is often used for printing newspapers, flyers, and packaging for larger-size print runs.
How does it work?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how offset printing works in the packaging industry, including subheadings:
Pre-press preparation
Before printing begins, the artwork and design for the packaging must be created and prepared for printing. This includes selecting the appropriate color scheme, graphics, and text. The design is then transferred onto printing plates using a computer-to-plate (CTP) system.
Ink preparation
Ink is prepared in advance by mixing the appropriate colorants and binders. The ink must be carefully formulated to ensure the right consistency and color for the job.
Plate preparation
The printing plates are then mounted onto the printing press. The plates are specially coated to attract the ink and repel water.
Printing process
The printing press uses a series of rollers to transfer the ink from the plate to the packaging material. A rubber blanket cylinder is first used to transfer the image onto the packaging material, and then the material is transferred onto the image.
Pros of Offset Printing
Some of the advantages of using offset printing in the packaging industry are:
High-Quality Printing
Offset printing produces high-quality, consistent prints with sharp images and text. It can reproduce fine details, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, making it a popular choice for high-end packaging.
Cost-Effective for Large Runs
Offset printing is cost-effective for large runs because the cost per unit decreases as the quantity increases. This is because the setup costs are high, but the printing cost per unit is low.
Versatile
Offset printing is versatile and can print on various substrates, such as paper, plastic, and metal, making it ideal for packaging applications. It can also print on various shapes and sizes of packaging, including boxes, bags, and pouches.
Consistent Color Reproduction
Offset printing produces consistent color reproduction throughout the print run. This means that every print will look the same, ensuring brand consistency and recognition.
Faster Production Times
Offset printing is fast, making it ideal for large runs with tight deadlines. Once the printing plates are set up, the printing process is efficient and can quickly produce a high volume of prints.
In conclusion, offset printing is an excellent choice for large runs of high-quality packaging that require consistent color and detail.
