PBD: The offset printing experts

Offset printing and what it is

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.

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.

In addition to offset printing, there is letter press, where the plate makes direct contact with the paper. Today most of these machines tend to be used for foiling and embossing as they offer less quality for print and are far less cost effective, especially for longer runs. Screen print, also called silk screen or serigraphy, is another, where the ink is transferred to the material, paper, cloth, labels, etc. through a screen, with the areas of the image open and the area not to receive ink is blocked. Inkjet (also sometimes in order to bump the pricing, referred to as a Giclee) is a spray of ink onto paper and is the same technology that is used in your desk top inkjet printer. In any event, the form with the most latitude, quality and cost effectiveness is offset printing.

Our offset printing company will benefit you with our high quality workmanship, excellent customer service, extremely high knowledge of the industry as a whole and at the same time that we are providing you with all of this in our offset printing products, you will also receive some of the best offset printing pricing around.

We would love to hear from you the next time you are seekingoffset printing and would be happy to provide you with our expert offset printing services.