Offset printing is a technique that uses printing plates (usually offset printing plates) to create photographic copies of documents. Typically, the document to be printed is offset printed on special type of printing paper. The most popular types of offset printing in New York City are digital printing and offset digital printing. Digital printing can be done on regular paper or on photo paper.
The traditional method of offset printing is called copy press manufacturing and it has been used extensively for decades. In its most simple form, it involves a worker applying a press sheet directly to paper. Today, digital printing and offset digital printing are both done on offset printing equipment. In today’s world most commercial and residential printing is done on computers.
Digital printing is the latest generation of offset printing. The offset printing process has been outdated for many years because the technology was so different. Digital printing does not use printing plates; it utilizes electronic scanners and printers to create the image. The image is then transferred directly to a computer monitor or print head. By using a computer, you can create an unlimited number of copies of any document with very little cost or effort. This is what has brought most business to New York City, since many small businesses do most of their work electronically now.
In the last several years digital printing has become more popular and much less expensive. Most big companies have switched from offset printing to digital printing. The reason was partly because it was more cost effective and partially because the machines weren’t as popular. Most of the time large offset presses are run by large corporations. Digital printing is also more environmentally friendly, which is another reason why it is becoming more popular. Another advantage of digital printing over offset printing is that it is faster, which is essential in a competitive economy.
The conversion from offset printing to digital printing used to be done manually, but now most printing companies use automatic machines that perform the entire process for them. The old-style process involved tons of paper being fed through the printing press, which often required manual tagging and adjustments to get each sheet exactly the right size and the right color. This caused more wasted paper and was more time-consuming.
Companies such as Pantone, Sennheiser, and Fuji Xerox all offer software packages for digital printing that will help you to convert your pages. This is a much more manageable process, especially in a large printing job. You can have confidence in the finished product, because every square inch of the project can be precisely duplicated. Digital printing uses high-resolution scanners to produce digital images. These images can then be indexed, enhanced, or printed with special tools that give your printing project the look and feel of a professional production.
Even though digital printing has made the process so much easier, there are still some elements of offset printing that have not been changed. Your original file will still need to be printed on thick, heavy stock with large, glossy covers. The layout of the physical printing area (a printing console) remains the same. What has changed is the way the printing company approaches the process – they now use computer-aided design (CAD) technology to draw their templates out on the computer, which allows them to scale everything up or down to make exact reproductions of your original images.
They will then cut these templates out with laser printers and ship them off to you. They will also hire people in the New York area to handle all the paperwork that is involved in the process, from receiving your bid, to filing the appropriate paperwork with your local government agencies. The real process of getting your new press made is just like any other – and you should expect to see your finished product after four to six weeks. Some companies will even provide you with an inspection period, so you can check in with them and get a good idea of what kind of work they can do for you.