Image transfer onto the rubber blanket is done in printing
(A) rotary
(B) offset
(C) gravure
(D) screen
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Offset printing clearly stands out as the most efficient and reliable technique for high-quality print production. In this method, the printer first creates an image on a metal plate. Then, instead of pressing the plate directly onto the paper, the image moves to a rubber blanket. Finally, the blanket presses the image onto the paper. This process explains why we call it “offset” printing—because the image offsets from plate to blanket, and then to paper.
Now, you might wonder, why involve a rubber blanket? The answer lies in flexibility. The rubber material adjusts smoothly to textured or uneven surfaces. Therefore, it helps maintain clean lines and even ink distribution. Moreover, it prevents wear and tear on the original plate, which increases efficiency and reduces long-term costs.
In contrast, other options don’t follow this unique method. For instance, rotary printing uses cylinders that apply ink directly, without any intermediate transfer. Similarly, gravure printing relies on engraved cylinders and doesn’t include a rubber blanket. Furthermore, screen printing pushes ink through a stencil and mesh directly onto the surface, skipping the blanket step altogether.
Additionally, offset printing works best for large-scale jobs like newspapers, books, brochures, and magazines. Printers favor it for its speed, durability, and consistent results across thousands of copies.
In summary, because offset printing includes a key step where the image first transfers to a rubber blanket before reaching the final surface, option (B) emerges as the correct answer. Therefore, whenever high quality and surface flexibility matter, the industry chooses offset printing confidently.
