SCHOOLRATS.COM

Consistent high image quality. Offset printing produces sharper and cleaner images and type than letterpress printing because the rubber blanket conforms to the texture of the printing surface... Usability on a wide range of printing surfaces (including wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper and plastic) in addition to smooth paper... The first lithographic offset axiom printing press was created in England around 1875 and was designed for printing on metal. The offset cylinder was covered with specially treated cardboard that transferred the printed image from the litho stone to the surface of the metal. About five years later, the cardboard covering of the offset cylinder was changed to rubber, which is still the most commonly used material.