Lithography and offset printing are both widely used printing techniques, but they differ in their processes and applications.
Lithography originated in the late 18th century and is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. In lithography, an image is drawn on a flat stone or metal plate using a greasy substance. The plate is then treated with a chemical solution that makes the drawn area attract ink while the non-image areas repel it. This allows for high-quality prints with fine details.
Offset printing, on the other hand, is a specific type of lithography that uses a rubber blanket to transfer the inked image from the plate to the printing surface, usually paper. This method is often preferred for its speed and efficiency, especially during large print runs. It allows for consistent image quality and is widely used in commercial printing.
In summary, while lithography refers to the overall printing technique based on the principle of oil and water, offset printing is a specific application of that technique that uses a rubber blanket to create the final print. The choice between these methods often depends on the print job requirements and the desired quality.