The Death of Offset !

Some of the key printing processes have been existing for years , though evolving and continuously improving. Machines have been becoming speedier, with better controls on print quality and print registrations from colour to colour. The back end work and pre-press has been becoming high end and cutting down several in-between steps. The key printing process of Offset, Flexo and Gravure have also found their niches in the appropriate product categories and volume fits. Somewhere quietly the Digital printing has been progressing from one step to the other and gradually growing roots. The concept of straight computer to print today is fast gaining ground and getting ready to reposition some of the traditional processes.
Digital printing has some disadvantages, like the high costs, the inability to get metallic lustre and limitations on printing on some of the substrates. However , it has the distinct advantage of very fine half tones , quarter tones , speed and precision.
Digital can put an end to colour variations, mis-registrations and huge printing tolerances.
The Industry needs to work on primarily the costs aspect and this could perhaps ring the complete end to the traditional process like Offset. Offset process is riddled with the problems of colour variations, difficult process controls and fine precision. Given the positives that the Digital process have , perhaps the future in Packaging has got to be in the realm of Digital.
Given the disadvantage of the metallic inks , significant developments have been going on in the area and efforts have been on to overcome this issue. The success in the area of Chromolin proofing with fine metallic has perhaps some clues and some possibilities to offer.
The growing need for short term Packaging and quick changes in Graphics is perhaps fuelling Digital to grow from strength to strength and pave the way for a happier future for packaging.