When you need to print something on a mass-production scale, it’s important to consider how to keep time and costs down.
This is where offset printing comes in – as the go-to choice for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies that need printing for tablet cartons, boxes and more. Offset printing is a high-volume solution that provides cost savings without compromising on high-quality results.
But what exactly is offset printing? Here, Origin breaks down the technique, how it differs from regular digital printing, its advantages and also the types of technologies available.
What is offset printing?
Offset printing – also known as lithography – is a mass printing technique that involves transferring ink images from metal plates to rubber blankets, which then roll the image onto the printing surface. The name ‘offset’ comes from the fact that ink is not transferred directly onto the printing surface.
There are two types of offset printing techniques – ‘sheet fed’, which involves feeding individual sheets into the printing press, and ‘web’ offset printing which involves a single, long roll for cost-effective bulk projects.
Offset printing is quick and cost-effective compared with alternative printing processes and produces consistent and high-quality results. This is partly because the metal printing plate never directly touches the printing surface.
The technique can be used for a range of printing projects including traditional newspapers and magazines, as well as in specialist industries such as pharma, for printing on jars and cartons.
How does offset printing work?
Offset printing works by transferring (offsetting) the images on metal plates to rubber blankets or rollers that are then used to print.
The media, such as paper or card, does not come in contact with the metal plates, meaning that the printing plates themselves will last longer.
The rubber printing roll also has the advantage of being flexible in its use, meaning it can be printed on materials other than paper.
What are the benefits of offset printing?
Offset printing offers a range of benefits compared with alternative printing methods such as digital printing. These include:
- High-quality, consistent images
- Efficient for large print runs
- Cost-effective compared with alternatives when printing in large volumes
- Print on a range of different materials and surfaces
- Quality can be improved with modern computer-to-plate systems
What is the difference between offset printing and digital printing?
Digital printing technologies are incredibly common as they are accessible, easy to use and often much cheaper for low-volume printing projects. However, the way the images transfer onto the paper is different – ultimately affecting the cost.
With digital prints, electrostatic rollers (known as drums) are used to apply toner onto the paper. The rollers then repeat for each colour being used, eventually applying onto the sheet and fusing with it via heat. While there is very little setup, it can be incredibly slow compared to offset printing.
Offset printing typically offers more accurate colour reproduction than digital printing due to the way the ink adheres to the surface thanks to the flexible rubber roller. It is also much cleaner and the results are reproducible every time due to the way offset printing works.
Digital printing also has the disadvantage of being limited by the size of the printer, whereas offset printing can handle a variety of sizes with ease.
What types of offset printing technologies are available?
Offset printing is based on the lithographic process, but recent technological developments have helped it to take advantage of modern advances.
The two most common types of offset printing today are ‘sheet-fed’ offset printing and ‘web’ offset printing.
Sheet-fed offset printing uses individual sheets of paper that are fed into the machine, and web offset printing focuses on high-volume publications that change content often such as newspapers.
Pharmaceutical packaging printing from Origin
Need help finding the perfect printing processes to bring your pharmaceutical packaging products to life – from unique branding elements to critical medical and adherence information? Chat with our expert team today.
