Offset printing

A commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or offset) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called fountain solution), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free. Offset lithography is one of the most common ways of creating printed matter. A few of its common applications include: newspapers, magazines, brochures, stationery, and books. Offset printing is the cheapest method to produce high quality printing in commercial printing quantities.