Everything About Offset Printing

Offset printing is a commonly used printing method, especially for printing paper articles such as magazines and newspapers. It is so efficient that it can produce a high volume of work in a concise amount of time. In this article, we'll explore how offset printing works, what it's typically used for, and compare it to other printing methods.

How does it work?

Offset printing is a type of printing that makes use of an offset plate. The process works by transferring ink from an aluminum plate to a rubber blanket and then onto what you want to have printed. Offset is called "offset" because the printing plate does not transfer the graphics directly onto what you want to print; instead, it transfers onto the rubber blanket first.

To prevent the non-graphic areas of printing plates from repelling ink, offset printing machines use a dampening system. It moistens the non-graphic areas so that they do not repel the ink. Depending on how many units need to be printed, other adjectives can be added to ensure the ink does not repel from the non-graphic areas.

Offset printing is a method of printing where the ink is added to the printed files one by one. The standard for offset printing machines is four printing units, meaning each color can be added one unit at a time. Pantone colors can be used with this method, too; however, the more printing units there are, the more Pantone colors can be added to the print.

The offset printing machine consists of two cylinders, the first located at the top of the machine and holding the printing plates; the next is a second cylinder holding a rubber blanket that transfers ink onto an object. These two cylinders allow different colors to be printed on an object by transferring it from one printing unit to another.

After the object is printed, it will be heated and cooled to ensure that the print is clear and that the objects can be stacked.

What is it used for?

Offset printing has long been used for various purposes, including newspapers, magazines, and paper cups. We work with many manufacturers who use offset printing for plastic and ice cream cups. As I said earlier, it is most commonly used for printing newspapers and magazines.

Offset printing vs. flexo print.

Offset and flexographic printing are very similar in many ways. Both can use Pantone colors, and both produce high-quality prints at a fast rate. They're often used for printing on packaging.

Flexography is more accessible to adapt to print on other surfaces than paper, and offset printing can be used for printing in lower quantities because it requires fewer plates. If you want to know more about flexography, check out our article.

Offset printing vs. digital print.

Offset printing and digital printing are the two most common paper product printing methods. Digital printing is outstanding for small quantities and test prints, while offset printing is more efficient for larger batches. Digital printing can only be used on paper since it always mixes colors by dropping ink onto the object. Offset printing is more adaptable and can be used on other materials, such as plastic and metal!

Offset printing vs. Tampon print.

Tampon printing and offset printing are two different types of printing used for different purposes. Tampon printing is excellent for printing on complex surfaces in smaller quantities because the process is more manual, requiring you to add ink directly from your plates. Offset printing is much faster and more automated than tampons; however, since it's not great for convex surfaces, it's mainly used for flat products such as food packaging.

Offset printing vs. Rotogravure printing.

The rotogravure printing process, in which ink is transferred from raised cylinders to paper, is used by some printers who need to print large quantities of luxury paper products. The method can be cost-effective when printing millions of the same item; it could be more economical for smaller runs.

Offset printing vs. letterpress printing.

Letterpress and offset print are a pretty funny combination, as offset printing is the most commonly used printing technique, while letterpress is rarely used. However, they both primarily use Pantone colors. Offset printing is great for printing large quantities of books or magazines with high-quality results, whereas letterpress is better suited for smaller projects with better-quality results.


If you are looking for an offset press, the Ryobi Offset 2800 & Ryobi 750 offset press would be a great choice. It has many features that will fulfill your business needs and it has an excellent price, which makes it affordable for most businesses. To learn more about this press, please visit our website today.


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