What Is Offset Printing?
Offset printing is a process in which a desired image is exposed onto a printing plate that in turn is loaded into an offset printer. A print roller picks up ink and rolls across the plate picking up the desired image and deposits the image onto the disc surface. This process is for four color process (CMYK) only and results in a high resolution image of picture quality at 175 lines per inch (lpi).
Offset printing starts by laying down a base of white ink, called a ‘white flood’, followed by a mixture of colors. The colors are CMYK. Ink is applied to the disc by rolling a reverse image of your graphic to the non-image areas on a roller. The rollers are then pressed against the disc. Offset is recommended for use with small text or detailed graphics. Offset printing enhances sharpness and detail, but lacks the color saturation of digital or silkscreen printing.
Offset / process printing, sometimes referred to as 4-color process or CYMK printing is the technique of printing with 4 standard colors; CYMK: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black. This industry standard for “full-color” printing allows for near “true-to-life” color printing. The technique or process prints all 4 colors as miniature dots in precise closeness to each other. The size of each dot and its relation to the other dots is what provides the finished look of colors and tones. Most full-color brochures, magazines, newspapers, and yes, CD packaging and CDs are process printed. When process printing is not required, Pantone colors are specified.
Offset printing is the use of a printing press and inks. Four different coloured inks cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK)are applied one at a time on the press as the paper passes through. By layering the colours you create full colour printing. One colour or PMS inks are applied seperately or in addition to the CMYK inks. Inks need to dry before cutting and drying times vary according to the colour and weather.
Offset printing is a technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process (which is based on the repulsion of oil and water), the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non-printing area ink-free.
