What is the difference between silkscreen & offset printing?
Offset printing on CDs and DVDs is the same method as offset printing onto paper. Four ink colors (CMYK – cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are transferred onto plates and rollers & then onto the CD/DVD surface. Offset printing onto CDs and DVDs is a newer process than silkscreen. The resolution is 175 lines per inch (lpi) and the surface is smooth and even. Offset printing is good for all types of CDs/DVDs, especially those containing photographic and detailed artwork. The overall quality of offset printing is much better than silkscreen. Silkscreen printing is a process whereby the artwork is converted to screens & then the ink is pressed through the screens onto the CD or DVD. The average resolution of silkscreen printing is 85-135 lines per inch (lpi).
