Offset printing

Now you understand the construction of a printing press. Then how does offset printing work?
 
The setup of offset printing is handled by pressmen. First of all, they need to ensure accurate registration (alignment) of the different colors, the printing plates are precisely mounted on the plate cylinders of the offset press. Secondly, the pressmen need to load the ink fountain with the appropriate ink colors. The ink fountain is equipped with ink rollers that distribute ink evenly across the ink rollers. Simultaneously, the dampening system wets the plate with a water-based solution, keeping the non-image areas moist. This prevents ink from adhering to the non-image areas.
 
After the setup complete, sheets of paper are fed through the offset press. The inked image on the plate is transferred to a rubber blanket cylinder. Since the blanket cylinder is flexible, it can conform to the shape of the printing surface. Finally, the blanket cylinder transfer the image onto the sheets of paper. This is done by pressing the blanket cylinder against the paper, allowing the ink to transfer. This process is called "offset" because the image is not directly pressed onto the paper but is offset by the blanket cylinder. 
 
Offset printing is known for its ability to produce high-quality, consistent results, making it a preferred choice for many commercial printing applications, including magazines, brochures, catalogs, posters, and packaging. Its versatility, color accuracy, and ability to handle large print runs make it a staple in the printing industry.