What is offset printing?
Date: Aug 25 2024 From: Star Color
1 IntroductionOffset printing is a type of planographic printing. Simply put, offset printing is a printing method that uses rubber (blanket) to transfer the graphics and text on the printing plate to the substrate. It is also the blanket that plays a very important role, so it is called offset printing.
In the long river of human civilization, printing technology has been an important tool for information dissemination and knowledge inheritance, while offset printing, as a representative of modern offset printing technology, occupies a crucial position in many fields such as books, newspapers, commercial printing, etc. due to its advantages of high efficiency, high quality, and low cost.
The basic principle of offset printingOffset printing technology is a printing method that indirectly transmits graphic and textual information from the printing plate to the substrate through rubber (blanket). Its core components include printing plates, rubber blankets, impression cylinders, and ink supply systems.
In the printing process, the first step is to create graphic and textual information on the printing plate, and then evenly apply ink on the plate.
When the printing plate comes into contact with the rubber blanket, the ink only adheres to the graphic and textual parts. Then, the rubber blanket rotates and comes into contact with the substrate (such as paper), accurately transferring the graphic and textual information to the substrate, completing a printing process.
Advantages and characteristics of offset printing
1. High efficiency
Compared with other printing methods such as screen printing and relief printing, offset printing has higher production efficiency. This is due to its efficient ink transfer mechanism. In large-scale production, offset printing machines can continuously and stably output high-quality printed materials.
2. High quality
Offset printing technology is known for its stable printing quality and precise overlay accuracy. By precisely controlling the contact pressure between the printing plate, blanket, and substrate, as well as the supply of ink, offset printing can achieve clear and accurate reproduction of graphic and textual information. At the same time, offset printing is also suitable for two-color and multi-color printing, which can present rich color layers and delicate printing effects.
3. Low cost
In large-scale production, offset printing technology can effectively control costs. Thanks to its high efficiency, it can reduce production time and labor costs; On the other hand, the low cost of offset printing is due to the use of solvent based inks.
Solvent based ink is cheaper than water-based ink and UV ink, but it has been criticized for its environmental friendliness.
4. Widely used
Offset printing technology has been widely applied in multiple fields due to its unique advantages.
In the field of book and magazine printing, offset printing technology can meet the printing quality and output requirements of various books;
In the field of newspaper printing, offset printing technology has become the preferred method for newspaper printing due to its high efficiency and speed;
In the field of commercial printing, offset printing technology is widely used in the production of printed materials such as posters, brochures, and packaging.
1. Book printing
In book printing, offset printing technology dominates due to its high quality and efficiency. Whether it is cover or inner page printing, offset printing technology can present clear graphic and textual information and delicate printing effects.
2. Commercial printing
In the field of commercial printing, offset printing technology also plays an important role. In the production of printed materials such as posters, brochures, and packaging, offset printing technology can meet customers' demands for printing quality and output..
3. Special fields
In addition to the aforementioned fields, offset printing technology has also been applied in some special areas. For example, in business card printing, offset printing technology can present clear and exquisite graphic and textual information; In clothing offset printing logos, you can also see the use of offset printing.
The Future Development of Offset Printing TechnologyWith the advancement of technology and the continuous changes in market demand, the most criticized environmental aspect of offset printing is also being improved step by step, and offset printing technology is constantly innovating and developing. In the future, offset printing technology will present new development trends in the following areas:
1. Technological innovation
Digitization, automation, and intelligence will become important directions for the development of offset printing technology. By introducing advanced digital control systems and automated production equipment, precise control and efficient operation of the printing process can be achieved;
2. Environmental Trends
The improvement of environmental awareness will promote the development of offset printing technology towards green direction. In the future, offset printing technology will pay more attention to the use of environmentally friendly materials and the optimization of environmentally friendly processes; Measures such as energy-saving and consumption reducing technologies, as well as mechanisms for waste recycling and reuse, also need to be implemented during the printing process.
3. Integrating innovation
Offset printing technology will also be integrated with other printing technologies to form a more competitive comprehensive solution. For example, when combined with inkjet printing technology, special effects such as partial UV and hot stamping can be achieved for printing; Combined with digital printing technology, it can compensate for the shortcomings of offset printing in short plate printing and achieve a more flexible production mode.
4. Intelligent upgrade
Intelligence will be the key to the future development of offset printing technology. By introducing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, offset printing machines will have functions such as self diagnosis, remote monitoring, and intelligent scheduling. This will enable printing companies to monitor equipment operation status and production progress in real time, identify and solve problems in a timely manner
ConclusionIn summary, as an important component of modern printing technology, offset printing technology has been widely applied in multiple fields due to its advantages of high efficiency, high quality, and low cost. With the advancement of technology and the continuous changes in market demand, offset printing technology will continue to make new breakthroughs and developments in technological innovation, environmental trends, market demand, integrated innovation, and intelligent upgrading.
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