What Is Offset Printing, And How Does It Work?

Offset printing is an indirect printing system where the paper does not come into contact with the plate that transfers the image. The ink is applied directly to a metal or rubber plate and, in the end, is stamped onto the final support.

The plates are monochromatic, meaning they can only deposit one colour. For the previous reason, the images must be pre-treated. The illustrations and texts are “decomposed” using the CMYK colour system to achieve this.

Four plates treated with a photosensitive film are used, each with a different colour. They are mounted in the machine on a roller and, through dampers and inkers, they are transferred to the rubber, and subsequently, the ink is transferred to the paper.

 Advantages Of Using Offset Printing For Your Business

Offset printing It has a series of advantages over other systems. Thanks to the flexibility of the rubber, the ink is easily impregnated onto the paper. In addition, it allows you to work with irregular textures, which helps to generate high-quality finishes.

Offset generates a large range of colours with CMYK mode, allowing you greater control over the colour palette. Due to this characteristic, it replicates the designs on paper with greater precision and fidelity.

As for the final supports, they offer the possibility of working with various types of papers: coated, uncoated, cardboard, laid, and textured, among others. Regarding sizes, its use is preferable for small and medium formats.

There are better options than indirect printing for custom designs or small quantities due to the time and money investment. However, it is highly economical and fast to produce medium and large runs whose designs do not need modifications.

How You Can Take Better Advantage Of The Services Of An Offset Printing Company

Now that you know the basics about offset printing, you’re probably wondering how I can use it. Printers specialized in the offset system have many services that you can use to take advantage of this technique.

To begin with, professional services usually offer a variety of formats adaptable to the needs of clients: flyers, brochures, sales sheets, catalogues, agendas, books, and calendars, among others. The market is vast, so that you will have many options.

Competition forced printers to give something extra to stand out. To achieve this, some places also chose to add design and management teams to provide a complete experience to customers. Could you take advantage of it?

Offset Printing Price And How To Reduce It To The Maximum

Offset printing prices vary depending on the tools, design and print run. The higher the level of technology of the machines, the quantity of production and the quality of the materials, the higher the printing prices will be.

The best tips we can give you to reduce costs are not to print extra products and to make several quotes before hiring a service. They may seem obvious suggestions, but you must keep them in mind before acting.

What You Should Take Into Account When Choosing A Printing Company 

If you want quality results, you must know how to choose a printing company correctly. Places with professional services and specialized machinery are the best option for offset printing.

Follow these considerations to choose the best service for your business:

  • Bet on those whose quality-price ratio suits you
  • Look for printing companies with multiple services such as design, management, etc.
  • Look for references on the Internet, approach those that users support
  • Select those that customize their services according to your needs.