Offset printing accounts for roughly 40% of all print jobs. While the process may sound complex, it’s a well-honed craft for experienced print professionals, including the team at our NH print shop. Offset printing uses three cylinders: the first holds a printing plate with the image facing right side up. Ink is applied to this plate and transferred to a second cylinder covered with a rubber blanket, which reverses (or mirrors) the image. Finally, the image is transferred from the rubber blanket onto paper via the third cylinder. This indirect method produces consistently high-quality results and remains a cornerstone of modern printing.

 

Types of Printing Presses

There are two main types of offset printing presses. Web-fed offset presses print on continuous rolls of paper. The rolls are later cut to size, making them ideal for high-volume projects such as newspapers and magazines. Sheetfed offset presses, on the other hand, print individual sheets fed into the press one at a time. While sheetfed printing can take longer, it offers greater flexibility and is often used for jobs requiring precision and customization.

 

Initial and Continuing Costs

Although the startup costs for offset printing can be high, the process becomes very cost-effective at higher volumes. Learning the intricacies of offset printing—from artwork design to press operation—takes skill and experience, but the payoff is unmatched quality and efficiency. Offset printing is most commonly used for textbooks, books, and periodicals. It also plays a major role in producing packaging and other consumer goods. In many ways, offset printing has quietly shaped how information has been shared, from the rise of newspapers to the printed materials we rely on every day.

 

NH Print Shop | Offset Printing at the Print Factory

For businesses and individuals seeking a trusted print shop in New Hampshire, The Print Factory in Nashua is a go-to resource. Located at 15 Factory Street, we’re known for delivering professional results quickly and reliably. Our experienced staff works closely with clients to turn ideas into polished finished products, whether the project is a wedding invitation, a financial report, or a custom print job. If you have an idea, we can print it. Contact us today for more information about our design and printing services.