Offset Printing Supplies
We offer a number of different offset printing supplies, including press ink, dampening systems, blankets, powder, and more. We always strive to provide the best offset printing supplies at an affordable price point. Learn more about our supplies and what offset printing supplies you may need for your printing application below:
Printing Press Ink
Offset sheetfed printing presses would be nothing without ink. It's the reason the press exists. Good print starts with good ink that performs well in the press and in the press room and printing ink can be one of the largest indicators of overall print quality.
Inks can come in many varieties beyond just the color. Inks can come in different tack and finish. Inks can also come with different additives that can help them to dry more quickly. Ink technology in the 21st century is quite advanced and as time goes on we are sure to see very interesting inks in the future
Dampening Systems
In conventional offset printing, there is a constant balance made between ink and water. In the printing process the image is passed by the special chemical properties of the printing plate itself. In some areas it is hydrophobic and in other areas it is hydrophilic. These two terms essentially mean that the plate will attract or repel water. In the areas that are hydrophobic the plate will pick up ink from the ink-train. In areas where the plate is hydrophilic, the plate will pick up water and repel the ink.
Printing Blanket
The printing blanket has become a staple of the offset printing method. The printing blanket is offset printing supply that features a smooth mat, which is wrapped around a cylinder within the printing unit. This mat acts as a cushion that presses against the master and picks up the image. The purpose of the printing blanket is to transfer the image from the master to the sheet. In other words, the printing blanket is the medium that carries the image from the plate to the paper. Printing blankets are designed to be removed and replaced periodically to compensate for wear.
Printing Powder
Printing press powder has long been used in the world of offset printing. It offers numerous benefits in the printing process and is used by almost every manufacturer in the industry. The first and most important purpose of printing press powder is to prevent ink offset. Ink offset is when wet ink from one sheet is transferred onto a second sheet that makes contact. Powder is sprayed onto the sheets as they are stacked at the delivery end of the press, the fine layer of powder forms a micro-barrier between the sheets to keep the ink from making contact. A secondary benefit of spray powder is reduced dry time due to a minute air-gap between the individual sheets. This slight gap allows for an amount of air circulation through the stack and gives the moisture within the ink a way out.
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