05.12.10

The older and more commonly used form of printing is offset printing. Offset printing was originally invented in 1875 and was used to print on the metal, tin. However, it wasn’t until 1903 that Ira Washington Rubel created an offset press that could print on paper. To print on paper with an offset press is a technique that is more than 100 years old and is still practiced today.

What are the benefits of using offset as a printing technique?
• Consistent High Quality Images
• Quick production with printing plates
• Plates can withstand more then 1 million impressions
• Spot Colours, Varnishes and Speciality Papers are available
• Cost

There are many advantages to printing using the offset technique. The most beneficial and the one that any person considering printing offset should be aware of is cost. Offset is the most affordable printing method to produce very high quality prints in commercial printing quantities. This simply means – its’ only cost effective if you plan on printing quantities in the thousands. For smaller quantities of printing you may want to consider offset printings semi-equivalent – digital printing.

What are the benefits of Digital Printing?
• Variable Data Printing
• Less chemical and paper waste
• UV and fuser fluid
• Quick turnaround time

• No Plates or Film Required
• Proofing is an exact copy of what you will recieve

The most beneficial role that Digital Printing plays as a printing technique is its variable data printing. Variable data printing is one of marketing’s best kept secrets and one that anyone that uses paper as a form of marketing should know about. With variable data marketing you could, if you so chose, print items targeted at specific marketing demographics, companies, or people. Which unlike offset printing is the future of paper print marketing.

When discussing and deciding what kind of printing is best for the job that you need done, it’s best you use this practice.

If you need a lot of materials printed, you’re not in a hurry, and want it all too look the same than choose offset printing as your method.

If you need a small or medium amount of printing done, and done quickly, with different pieces of information for each of your materials than choose digital printing as your method. Both digital and offset printing are extremely beneficial in their own ways, and by being educated on these two popular forms of printing you will be able to determine what the best method for you is in the long run.


Both saving you time, and money.