What is Web Offset Printing?
So, what exactly is web offset printing? The process of web offset printing involves continuously feeding a roll of paper through a printing press. This is different from sheet-fed printing which uses individual pieces of paper that are precut and then fed into the press. There are two types of web offset printing:
- Heatset – Once the paper is printed, the ink is dried by running the printed paper through an oven. This process is used in magazines, catalogs, and other high upscale printing products.
- Coldset – During this process, the ink dries gradually by evaporation and absorption. Coldset printing is commonly used in newspapers and is one of the most cost effective forms of printing.
When it comes to images, this type of printing job requires that you print the image you wish to reproduce onto a plate, which is then pressed onto a rubber blanker that is rolled onto the material, and ultimately creates the image on the paper. This is where the term offset comes from.
Web offset printing is best suitable for high-volume publications such as mass-market books, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and brochures. Most commercial printing for catalogs, magazines, and books is done on web offset printing presses.
In web offset printing, text and images are put on plates. After that, they’re transferred to a rubber blanket and then to paper. Web offset printing doesn’t produce any harmful chemicals, and it’s ideal for large printing runs because of its speed, low cost, flexibility, and consistent quality! Check out the benefits of web offset printing.
1. Speed
Web offset presses use large rolls of paper that are cut during or after printing. These presses can print tens of thousands of feet of paper per hour, and operators don’t have to keep reloading them with precut sheets. With a web offset press, producing plenty of copies of a catalog or magazine is quick and easy. Technicians can also change plates quickly, which makes daily production much more efficient.
2. Cost Effective
Rolls of paper are usually about half the cost of precut paper, so web offset presses can produce high-quality prints for a low price. They can also accept thinner, less expensive paper for magazines and similar publications. It all depends on the needs of the specific project and the customers’ vision for the end-product.
Do you need your printing job completed rather quickly? Another benefit of choosing web offset printing is the time and efficiency. Web presses use rolls of paper rather than sheets of paper. This allows for greater speed and efficiency during the printing process.
Using offset printing for your project is very cost effective. If you need to produce a high quantity of quality prints, this is a smart choice.
3. Flexibility
Web offset printers can also accomplish additional tasks like cutting, folding, and perforating paper. Heatset web presses have drying lamps, much like a large oven, to set ink quickly for a high-quality image. Solo Printing’s web offset presses are some of the latest models available, featuring state-of-the-art technology.
4. Consistent Quality
When your printing service utilizes the latest technology and Advanced Interface systems in-house, you can expect high-quality results every time with quick turnaround. With high-tech web presses, such as the 6-unit Komori 38 S, unparalleled quality is produced with a full array of options such as:
- In-line folding and sheeting options
- Auto plate
- Close loop color
- In-line aqueous and gluing, and more!
5. Ideal for Large Scale Printing
One of the main benefits of offset printing is the large volume of printing you can do with consistent results. If you are looking to have something large scale printed, offset printing accommodates larger proportions than sheetfed printing can without compromising quality.
6. Pantone Color Matching
If your project requires the use of the Pantone Machine System, offset printing can provide you with the most accurate match. Another bonus of web offset printing is that if you only need to print in black and white, the cost will be significantly lower and save you money.
Contact SoloPrinting Today
Web offset printing overall is a quick and cost-effective printing option with consistent high-quality results. If you have a large order that needs to be printed and want to get the most for your money, web offset printing is the answer for you!
If you’re looking for quality printing services, there are options for you. Solo Printing has a variety of printing services available and provides quality printing. Contact Solo Printing today!
