7 Interesting Facts you might not know about Offset Printing

estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Offset Printing is the traditional form of printing, where the ink is actually pressed onto the paper. The Offset printing method requires the creation of printing plates. These plates are thin sheets of aluminum or polyester that have been etched with the images to be printed.

Every ink color used for a particular print project receives its own unique printing plate(s). Each plate is formed around a cylinder that rotates. The inked images on each plate will transfer through a series of other rotating cylinders and onto the paper.

Even though Offset printing plays a big role in modern print communication, many people don't realize just how unique and innovative this printing process really is.

Below are 9 Interesting Facts about Offset Printing that will help you better understand how it works and why so many commercial printing companies rely on it for exceptional results.…

1) It Is the Most Widely Used Printing Method in the World Today

When printing in volume, Offset Printing dominates all other production methods for consistency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Chances are the print materials you regularly interact with - such as magazines, catalogs, or marketing materials - were produced using Offset technology.

The Offset process produces sharp details and vibrant colors across hundreds or thousands of sheets. Its ability to produce such clean and crisp images at high speeds - something alternative methods struggle to match - has made Offset the print industry's worldwide standard for longer production runs.

2) An Offset Press Doesn't Print Directly to the Paper

Unlike Digital printing, Offset printing applies images to paper using an indirect transfer process. So despite what many people may think, Offset printing plates never actually touch the paper. The inked images on the plate are first transferred to a rubber blanket and then to the paper. This is accomplished using a series of rotating cylinders. A cylinder wrapped with the printing plate receives ink on its image areas. This plate cylinder then contacts a cylinder that is wrapped in a rubber blanket. The inked image offsets onto the rubber blanket. The paper sheet then travels between the blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder, which offsets the inked image onto the paper.

The flexible rubber blanket used in this indirect printing process not only reduces wear on the printing plate, it conforms to the surface of the substrate to provide exceptionally smooth and detailed output, even on rough or textured paper stocks.

3) Offset Printing Was Invented Over 100 Years Ago…Due to a Mistake

The roots of Offset printing date back to the early 1900s. The first Offset press for printing on paper was credited to Ira Washington Rubel, the owner of a small paper mill and lithographic shop in Nutley, New Jersey. Prior to Rubel's discovery, lithography printing transferred inked images directly from a metal plate onto the paper.

In 1903, one of Rubel's workers missed the step of feeding a sheet of paper through the lithographic press, causing the inked image on the plate to first transfer to the press's rubber impression cylinder and then to the paper. Rubel noticed this made a sharper image on the paper than the images that were transferred directly from the metal plate to the paper. Because the rubber could press the ink more smoothly onto the paper than the metal plate could, the resulting image was much higher quality.

Rubel began modifying his press to intentionally offset the inked image from the plate to the rubber blanket and then from the rubber blanket to the paper. By 1904, Rubel had engineered one of the first practical Offset presses for printing on paper.

Since then, Offset printing technology has improved dramatically through automation, computer-to-plate systems, color management software, and expanded material compatibility. Its longevity is a testament to how well the core concept still works.

4) Offset Printing Works on the Principle of "Water and Oil Don't Mix"

Offset printing relies on the chemistry between oil-based ink and water. Printing plates are treated so that the image areas attract ink while water protects the non-image areas. The mutual repulsion keeps ink from spreading into places it shouldn't.

This simple principle of oil and water naturally repelling each other is what enables Offset printing to produce crisp, sharply defined images and text. Mastering the balance between ink and water is one of the essential skills an Offset press operator must have.

5) Offset Printing Presses Can Run at Very High Speeds

Commercial Offset presses are built for fast, continuous operation. They can produce thousands of prints per hour, making them ideal for large quantities where efficiency and consistency matter. Even though Offset printing requires the creation of printing plates and some upfront time for press set-up, its high speed operation helps improve the turnaround time for large projects.

Offset presses are either sheet-fed or roll-fed. Sheet-fed Offset presses print on individual sheets of paper which are fed into the press one after the other. Sheet-fed Offset printing can produce 10,000 to 18,000 impressions per hour.

Roll-fed Offset presses, also known as Web presses, print on a continuous roll of paper that winds through the press using a system of rollers and tensioners. The paper is trimmed into individual sheets after being printed. Roll-fed Offset presses, which are used primarily for very long production runs, are faster than sheet-fed presses and can generally produce 50,000+ impressions per hour.

6) Some Offset Presses Can Print on Both Sides of a Sheet in One Pass

Known as "perfecting presses," some Offset presses can automatically flip the paper during the printing process so that both the front and back of the sheet get printed during a single pass through the press. This feature is especially beneficial for long-run book, magazine, catalog, and brochure projects.

All roll-fed Offset presses can print on both sides of the paper during a single press run. However, not all sheet fed presses have this capability. If a sheet-fed press doesn't have perfecting capabilities, it can still print on both sides by manually flipping the paper after one side has been printed and then sending it back through the press to print the other side.

7) Offset Printing Offers Far More Options than Digital Printing

Compared to Digital printing, Offset printing supports a wider variety of paper types and textures. It can also print on larger sheet sizes and thicker paper stocks.

Offset printing is also compatible with all types of specialty coatings. Plus, the Offset method can print exact Pantone spot colors - something digital printing equipment has limited ability to perform.

In addition, Offset printing is compatible with just about every specialty print option, including metallic and fluorescent inks, embossing, foil stamping, die-cutting, heavy ink coverage and more. This wide range of choices enables designers to create high-impact printed pieces that grab attention.

Are You Looking for Affordable Offset Printing Services?

As a full-service printing company, Color Vision has all the Offset printing capabilities you might need. We can produce projects using CMYK 4-color process, Pantone spot colors, Black/Grayscale, or any combination of these color systems to achieve the exact look you are after. Plus, we offer a wide array of finishing and bindery options to further enhance your project.

So if you are looking for a quote on books, brochures, catalogs, postcards, calendars, or any other type of custom printing, simply use our easy Quote Request form to submit the details and we'll be happy to email a quote to you. Or, if you prefer to discuss your project by phone, give us a call at 800-543-6299.

Since 1984, Color Vision has delivered personalized service and cost-effective print solutions. Whatever your custom printing goals may be, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. We look forward to working with you!