Printing: Printing is the art to take replica (copy) of original image or Text on substrate with help

of ink , dyes , pigments through Photochemical & Mechanical process.

Offset Printing:
Offset printing is the major lithographic technology. in which the ink is first transferred from the printing plate onto a flexible intermediate carrier the blanket and then Onto the substrate. The principle of offset printing is Shown in figure

There are two offset printing systems used commonly : Conventional offset printing technology: In conventional offset printing the non-image areas on the printing plate that are repellent to ink (water receptive). Where as the image areas on the printing plate that are receptive to ink (Water repellent). In this process Plate need to inked up with Inking rollers & Damped up with dampening rollers to separate the Image & Non Image area. Waterless offset printing technology: The total printing plate surface is basically ink-repellent, which is layer of silicone (approximately 2 m thick). The ink-receptive image area is achieved on plate through developing & applying special treatment solution through Plate processor. Ink is only accepted on areas of the printing plate in which the silicone coating has been removed during developing. Hence here is no need to apply water to separate Image & Non Image area on plate during printing. This procedure is known as waterless offset (quite frequently even as dry offset).

Corresponding printing plates and special inks must be used for both systems. Benefits of Waterless Offset: Specially featured technology for printing on PVC. Excellent printing Quality than conventional offset

Job setting time & change over time is too less. The absence of dampening solution in this process simplifies the printing unit setup, meaning that the desired production run quality is achieved more quickly.

Temperature controlled inking system. No need to concentrate on Ink & water balance. Low wastage during process Faster delivery of print jobs

Waterless offset printing is particularly suitable for fine and very fine screens (low dot gain). No dotgain ( smudgy images) & scum on final print.

Drawbacks: Consumables are very costly ( i. e. Plates, Inks, Press washes, Blankets ) The surfaces of waterless offset printing plates are generally more susceptible to mechanical damage and wear and tear; this calls for more careful handling within the entire process. A further drawback to waterless offset printing is the fact that inks with a different viscosity (greater tack) are used, which places greater demands on the paper surface during printing.

Not economical for short run jobs. ( means below 500 sheets)

Basic 4 colours for offset printing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black.

Seperation: For offset printing colour image need to split in 4

basic colours.

Color Quality Checking by Densitometer: The main factors that govern the quality of the printed image are the ink supply to the paper and the register, that is, how the individual color separations are printed one on top of the other to give a multicolor image. In addition to the printers eye, color

measurement and control systems are used that can be utilized not only to set up a job quickly and keep it adjusted on the run, but also to monitor production itself.

UV PrintingUV

printing is used to print on plastic, foil, and specialty substrates. UV light is used to dry specially formulated inks that are printed on non-porous materials. In converntional printing, ink dries as it is absorbed into paper. Because plastic is not absorbent, the ink must be dried on the top surface using UV light.