Why Choose Offset Printing? (5 Reasons)

Offset printing uses plates made from aluminum to transfer an image onto a rubber blanket and then roll that image onto a sheet of paper. It is called offset as the ink is not transferred to the paper directly.

This is the best option when larger quantities of a job are needed. It also provides accurate colour reproduction and crisp, professional-looking prints.

Offset printing’s benefits are numerous and it helps to create a final product you’ll be proud of. Take a look at these five key benefits that can help you decide if offset printing is the right choice for your project.

Top Benefits of Choosing Offset Printing

1. It assures high-quality printing

With offset printing, you can expect a high-quality printed image every time. The printer operator can control the ink flow, which means there are fewer wasted prints that do not provide enough contrast within the images. Therefore you get sharp, clean images on every piece.

2. It ensures lower cost as well as fast turnaround

One of the main advantages of offset printing is the low cost of envelope printing and other forms of high-quality printing. The cost to make the metal plates is the same regardless of how many copies need to be printed. With offset printing, the cost per copy is reduced with the more impressions you print.

3. It prints on any surface or shape

Is offset printing suitable for printing on any surface? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Undoubtedly, the flexible rubber blanket used in offset printing conforms to different surfaces and shapes. Whether it is to print on round containers, plastic bottles, print labels, sleeves, or wrappers, offset printing can be done easily.

It is also the perfect choice for printing on diverse materials such as fabric, wood, metal, plastics, canvas, and all types of paper.

4. Faster printing for high-volume jobs

While there are a few extra steps involved in creating the metal plate and setting up the device, it’s worth the extra work in terms of speed for high-volume printing. Standard printers risk running out of paper or ink during the printing cycle or printing a faded image when the ink runs low. But, with offset printing, the operator can control the ink flow by turning keys to ensure quality remains at an optimal level. This means the printing is less likely to be interrupted and ensures you get large quantities of posters or brochures in less time than direct printing.

5. Low-cost printing plates

With advanced technology, the plates used for offset printing are relatively inexpensive as well as easy to make. These may also be used up to a million times to help keep costs low. It’s much cheaper per piece than other methods of printing and you also get unmatched quality.

Offset Printing vs. Digital Printing: What’s the Difference?

With the rise of digital printing, you may wonder: how does it differ from offset printing? Digital printing does not use the plates that offset printing does, so digital printing is best when the quantities required are lower. Offset printing may only accommodate one design at a time. However, for more quality printing, offset is always the way to go. Use this checklist to help decide between offset and digital printing:

• Quantity: Offset printing has a front-end load cost, but when quantities increase, the unit cost decreases. Short runs are much more cost-effective with digital printing but larger quantities are likely to have a lower unit cost with offset printing.
• Printing medium: Do you need a special paper, finish, or unusual printing surface, or unique size? The choices are increasing continually for digital, but offset printing still offers the best flexibility.
• Colour: Digital presses use a four-colour process printing. If you wish only black ink or one or two ink colours, offset printing may offer a more cost-effective solution.
• Proofing: Digital offers accurate proofs since you see an actual sample of the printed product. Accurate colour proofing for offset printing may be costly.

Offset printing is a great option for high-quality and larger-run printing projects. It’s also perfect if you need a custom paper or specialty ink. It doesn’t make sense for smaller projects as the equipment is a significant investment. But once the systems are in place, offset printing becomes a very affordable option. Is offset printing the best option for your print project? Contact us to talk about your upcoming project.