Offset Lithography
Offset lithography is a printing process that uses a flat, oil-based printing plate to transfer ink onto a rubber blanket, which then transfers the ink onto the final substrate. This process is known for its ability to produce high-quality, consistent prints on a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, and metal. Offset lithography is widely used for commercial printing, such as books, magazines, and packaging.
How Offset Lithography Works
Offset lithography — also known as offset printing, offset or simply litho for short — is the most commonly used printing method today. In offset lithography, an inked image is transferred (offset!) from a metal printing plate (originally stone, hence the term “litho”) to a rubber blanket and then onto paper or some other substrate. All offset lithography presses basically work the same way, whether they are a sheet-fed press or a web press running a huge roll or “web” of paper.
Because the ink from the image to be printed is first transferred to a rubber plate, offset lithography can be used to print an image or design onto a variety of substrates that other types of printing can’t accommodate. These include metal, wood, plastic and fabric. Near photographic quality can be achieved using fine line screens, which convert continuous tone images into barely perceptible patterns for each color that is to be offset printed. You would practically need a magnifying glass to see the line screen of photographs printed onto some finer coated papers!
Paper Stocks
Only certain stocks are certified and compatible for the digital presses. New stocks are introduced daily and the selection is ever-growing. One major limitation is the substrate thickness, however, we are able to paste certain papers together after they’re digitally printed in order to achieve certain thicknesses.
Offset Lithography Inks
Offset lithography inks sit flatly on the surface of the paper or substrate, which is why some people refer to offset lithography as flat printing. As such, it is not tactile in the way that engraving, embossing/debossing, and letterpress are. Ink color options are almost infinite and our ink labs achieve great color consistency including custom PMS/Pantone color matches. We can even create unusual effects by layering and overprinting inks.
Depending on the substrate, offset printing inks can be relatively transparent. Our master printers will sometimes recommend adjusting the formula to take into account the paper color and printing surface in order to achieve our clients’ desired outcomes.
Ready to produce your own Offset Lithography?
Click here to request a quote. Not sure what printing processes or materials are best suited for your project? We love collaborating with brands on print projects! Our designers can help you source the best inks, paper stocks and finishing options. Call 516-485-9000 today!
Offset Lithography Examples
Explore the fine examples of Offset Lithography produced here at DATAGRAPHIC! You can filter the examples by material type and product.
