Offset printing is one of the most popular printing technologies, used in the production of high-quality advertising materials, books, magazines or brochures. In order to understand how the process works and what techniques are involved in this type of printing, it is useful to learn the most important terms that appear in the offset industry. In this article, we will introduce the most important terms that will help you understand this complex but highly effective process.
1. Offset gear
Offset printing is a technology that transfers the image from the master to the paper using intermediate cylinders. In this process, there is no direct contact between the printing mold and the material, resulting in crisp and accurate prints.
2. Printing mold
A printing mold is a matrix that contains the image or text to be applied to the paper. In traditional offset printing, the mold is made of metal (usually aluminum) and has a decorated surface, attracting ink in selected areas while other areas repel it.
3. Offset ink
Offset ink is specially selected for this type of printing. It is characterized by high quality, light resistance and durability. It is applied to the printing mold and transferred to the paper by means of an offset cylinder.
4. Offset cylinders
Cylinders are key components of an offset machine that enable the transfer of ink from the mold to the paper. In the classic offset process, there are three main cylinders: the mold cylinder (with the die), the rubber cylinder (which transfers the ink to the paper) and the receiving cylinder (which transfers the paper to the next stage of production).
5. Mockup
A mock-up is a graphic design that shows the layout of a page, the arrangement of text, images and other elements. It is a preliminary version of what the final printed product should look like. A mock-up helps prepare files for printing and prevents later errors.
6. Imposition
Imposition is the process of preparing a sheet of paper for printing. It involves the proper arrangement of pages on the sheet format so that when printed and folded, all the pages are properly arranged. This is an important step in the offset process, especially for larger print runs.
7. Bleeds
Bleeds are the area on the printout that extends beyond the edge of the sheet so that no white edges are visible after trimming. With bleeds, it is possible to get perfectly printed material without unnecessary margins. Bleeds are usually 3 to 5 mm wide.
8. Ink (printing)
The printing ink used in offset printing is a substance that contains pigments and various ingredients that allow for color intensity and durability. Offset color printing uses four basic colors: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (known as CMYK).
9. Sheetfed printing
Sheet-fed printing is a type of offset printing in which paper is fed in sheets into a printing press. This type of printing is particularly popular for producing high-quality materials such as catalogs, brochures and flyers. Unlike roll printing, sheet printing allows better control over print quality.
10. Rotary printing
Rotary printing is a type of offset printing in which paper is fed in rolls. It is a technique used for large print runs. Especially in the production of newspapers, magazines and other large-format printing. Rotary printing is characterized by high production speed and efficiency.
11. Printing points
DPI is a unit of measurement that determines the resolution of printing. The higher the DPI value, the more detailed the print is. In offset printing, the standard resolution is 300 DPI, which ensures adequate image quality.
12. Offset paper
Offset paper is a material designed specifically for offset printing. It has the right absorbency and smoothness for high quality printing. This paper is available in different weights and finishes to suit different types of printing.
13. Overprinting
Overprinting is the process of applying ink to the surface of the paper to produce a print. It can include both text and graphics. Offset printing uses precision machines to ensure that the ink is evenly applied to the paper.
14. Printing machine calibration
Printing machine calibration is the process of adjusting the machine to the correct printing parameters. It involves adjusting pressure, temperature, speed and other factors that affect printing quality. A well-calibrated machine ensures optimal results and minimizes the risk of errors in the production process.
15. Proofing
Proofing is the process of creating test prints before actual production begins. This is done to check the quality of colors, page layout and other printing elements. Proofing is crucial to ensure that the finished product meets customer expectations.
Summary
Offset printing is a complex technology that enables the creation of high-quality printed materials. Understanding the basic concepts involved in this process allows you to use this technology more effectively and achieve better results in print production. By understanding terms such as printing form, bleeds and ink application, you can better manage graphic and printing projects. Achieving excellent quality and production efficiency.