Igor Karlović

13 – Offset Printing

Offset printing is an indirect printing method that is widely used for printing on polymer substrates. It is characterized by the fact that the selective ink adsorption in the printing process is achieved by opposite physical–chemical properties of printing and nonprinting areas on the printing plate. They mainly differ in printing plate construction, ink characteristics, and, most importantly, usage of dampening solution. In the wet offset printing process, it is inevitable to use a dampening solution to define printing and nonprinting areas on the printing plate. Waterless offset printing is a process that eliminates this. However, both technologies can be successfully used for printing on polymer substrates and offer certain advantages depending on the end use of the final printed product. Printing on polymer materials is influenced by certain, specific requirements that will direct the choice of the offset printing process (wet or waterless), printing plate, inks, etc.