Among the different methods of offset printing the most widely used method of printing method of printing is the offset printing. Approximately 40% of all the printing jobs all over are being performed through the usage of offset printing. The process of offset printing is very simple and it is one of the most user friendly methods, it makes the usage of three cylinders which transfer the image on to the printing surface. The first and the foremost cylinder is fixed to the printing plate. The image is transferred in the right side position or it is placed in the rightwards. The ink is applied on to the first cylinder and the image is then transferred to the second cylinder. The second cylinder is fixed to the rubber blanket. Thus the image in the first cylinder placed in the rightwards is placed on the second cylinder in the wrong side or the reverse position. Finally the image is then transferred from the second cylinder to the third cylinder or the surface in the correct reading. The substrate is fixed on the third cylinder which is also known as the impression cylinder; hence the image after being placed in the reverse position once is placed in the right direction on the impression cylinder. One of the most unique features of the offset printing is that the same surface is used for both the image and the non image area. The offset printing works on the chemical principle that the oil and the water do not mix with each other; hence both oil and water are applied on the surface and the non surface areas. This principle has been acquired from the lithography and it is often referred as litho offset printing. The offset printing press requires a considerable large sized investment in the equipment and installation. But once the offset printing equipments are set up it is a very economical method of printing. The cost per unit decreases as large volumes are printed. There are many things in the process of offset printing right from the inceptional process of creating the artwork till the final step of operating and binding. Kinds of Offset presses Offset presses are of two kinds: Sheet fed offset printing press: The basic difference in sheet fed offset printing is that the printing is done on the single sheets of paper and inserted on individual basis. Web fed offset printing press: In this method a single sheet is inserted in the machine and they are cut then and there in the desirable sizes unlike sheet fed offset printing where individual sheets are inserted. Usage of Offset printing Offset printing is used in almost every aspect of life; it is used in the education phase that is printing books, periodicals, journals, etc. It is also used in the packaging of the consumer durable products. It would be difficult to put down in other areas where offset printing finds its way; it is almost used in every field.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
