OFFSET PRINTERS: STILL AT ITS BEST

"Think of your favorite magazines, brochures for your convenience, cute stationary, treasured books and important newspapers. Each written article and printed image is produced, processed and created by an offset printer. Offset printing is also called offset lithography. In the world of business, offset printing is known as litho-offset.



Printing technique has gone through a huge transition since its introduction decades ago. Different techniques of printing were used in the past. Finally, images and letters were transferred to computer and printed in the form of newspapers, books, stationary, brochures and magazines. In earlier days, printing plates were used with limestone or flat surface. This is how the word lithograph was derived from which means "Image from a Stone." Tin cans were used prior to the introduction of packaging materials. Metallic cylinder was used instead of cardboard for transfer of images. With the evolution of technology, businesses started using photoengraving as a method for transferring images and letters to books and papers. Later, offset printers were introduced to help users get clearer and sharper prints. These printers were used in conjunction with screen printing. Apart from transferring images to clean papers, prints could also be transferred to wood, cloth, leather and rough paper.



Offset printers are widely preferred these days for their extraordinary features such as low maintenance and cost-effective production. Compared to other printing methods, using offset printers in printing is economical yet high in quality. Consistent and high quality in image production, these printers are also quick and easy to use.



Different kinds of offset printers are used these days. Many manufacturers prefer venturing with the latest technologies introduced in their industries. They look for something that can provide maximum profits for their business with low cost and risk factor. Offset printer is the perfect choice in this regard. The technology will never go obsolete or useless. In fact, it will get better and profitable with time and quality of inks used to transfer prints. Since there are a many types of papers used for printing, the inks used for transferring prints tend to differ. Special chemicals are used to speed up drying process, especially for bulk materials. For instance, if the papers used are non-coated, quick set or non-heat set ink will be used for the printing. Rubber-based inks are used for glossy papers to avoid clatter. Petroleum-based and Soybean-based inks are less toxic and ideally used with offset printers. There are four basic colors for offset printing, CMYK, which stands for cyan (blue); magenta; yellow and black (K). This is also the reason why offset printing is also referred to as the 4-color process lithography or 4-color lithography. Each color is placed in a separate plate. Spot color can also be used, to premix colors and obtain fluorescent like finish.



The market is loaded with wide range of printers to choose from. However, offset printers still work the best and are still reliable. If you are looking for more information about these printers or want to buy for commercial use, log on to the internet. Comparing features of these printers will help you choose the best.

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