PBD: The Offset Printing Experts

Offset Printing General Description

Offset printing is a form of the printing process wherein the ink is first applied to a metal plate (in quick printing, some printers may still be using plastic or even paper plates, rather then metal plates. The metal plate, in offset printing is first etched or burned with the image to be printed. This can be either done by a light box, burning the offset printing image from film onto the metal plate or at modern facilities, with a laser. Once the ink is on the metal plate during offset printing, the ink is then transferred to a rubber "blanket". When the offset printing company feeds the paper through the press, it is placed up against the rubber "blanket" and the image is transferred to the paper. Here is where the term offset printing, picks up it's nomenclature, as a result of the non direct method of transfer from plate to paper in offset printing.

How Do I Benefit From Offset Printing

With offset printing you get a very clean and sharp image, unlike with the older "letterpress". This consistent and high quality image is how you benefit from the offset printing process. In addition, offset printing is capable of printing on rougher surfaces, plastic, and other materials. The production of plates in the offset printing process is quick and easy as well as cost effective. The plate life is also longer in offset printing then with a direct contact style as there is less wear and tear on the plates, which enable a much longer and more cost effective run with offset printing. This is not to imply that several months down the road you should be using these plates again. The metal plates oxidize and should not be used beyond the first run, unless there is a requirement for some additional forms to be run within a very, very short time period following the initial offset printing run.