Marvel Marking Products offers offset printers that provide high-contrast markings for improved visibility on extruded products and other rounded surfaces, such as pipes and tubing. Marvel Marking Products offers Anilox and EDM rolls in three different widths for marking flexibility. Our tried-and-true friction-driven offset printers offer quality, versatility and efficiency.
If you want to upgrade, we'll help you choose which motor drive option is best — we have air- or electric-powered motor drives. If you're looking for something more personalized to your needs, we can customize your printer with specific gear housings and more.
What Is Offset Printing?
Offset printing, or offset lithography, produces clear, sharp and consistent printed messages by applying ink to rounded surfaces, such as pipes. It offers a simple way of printing the same message repeatedly on moving products.
At Marvel Marking Products, our offset printer models have marking areas from 12 inches by ¾ inches to 24 inches by 3 inches. Our print wheel printers are perfect for providing high-quality, consistent prints. They are also economical and provide the most cost-effective way to produce printed messages in bulk.
The Offset Printing Process
The process begins with creating a metal — usually aluminum — or polyester plate that holds the message you want to print. The image is separated by color, with one plate for each color.
The etched plate is then coated with a photosensitive emulsion and exposed to light from the image. The ink transfers from the etched plate to a rubber sheet, called a blanket, before transferring onto the printing surface.
Unlike traditional metal plates, polyester plates are more flexible and lighter, making them easier to handle and perfect for short to medium print runs. The printers cause friction between the print wheel and the product — for example, the tube — getting marked as it passes through the printer.
What Is Offset Printing Best Used For?
Offset printing is ideal for print runs requiring static prints, such as the following:
- Tires
- Piping for construction
- Tubes
We serve customers in the following industries:
- Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories (SIC code 3714)
- Construction Materials (SIC code 5039)
- All Other Plastics (SIC code 3089)
Offset printers can also print extruded materials like copper and plastic pipes. However, offset printing is not ideal for variable print pieces mailed to individual recipients, such as personalized postcards and letters.
Pros of Offset Printing
With an offset printer from Marvel Marking Products, you can enjoy comprehensive benefits, including:
- Less wear and tear on the type.
- Consistent, reliable prints.
- High-contrast pigmented inks.
- Printing on various printing surfaces, including lumber, plywood, tubing, piping, extruded products, flat materials and other building materials.
- Quality reproductions of text.
- Several roll sizes and inkwell capacities.
- Fast packaging marking.
- Zero-type contact design.
- Stand-alone or in-line implementation.
- Cost-effective premium printing solutions.
- Easy, fast and straightforward message changeover.
- Quickly producing printing plates for your convenience.
- Customization options to meet your printing requirements, including various stands, gear housing and v-guide supports.
- Upgrade options.
- Production line efficiency.
Offset Printing Challenges
While extremely advantageous, you'll also want to consider the potential challenges of offset printing:
- Unable to efficiently accommodate variable data printing (VDP)
- Extended plate setup time
- Slower printing process
- Less cost-effective for printing low quantities
- Multiple production steps
- Requires attention to ensure quality results
- Takes up to three days to dry
- Limited personalization
Choose Your Printer With Marvel Marking Products
At Marvel Marking Products, we offer an exceptional line of offset printers. We stand behind our work and provide professional repair and rebuild services. Contact us today to request a quote or to speak with one of our experts.
