Waterless printing is an offset lithographic printing process that eliminates the water or dampening system used in conventional printing. It uses silicone rubber coated printing plates and specially formulated inks, and typically a temperature-control system is integrated into waterless presses.
In contrast to conventional printing, which is a chemical process that relies on isopropyl alcohol or substitutes, waterless printing is a mechanical process. The waterless press operator is not challenged with balancing the delicate relationship between ink and water. Waterless printing requires only an appropriate temperature range for transferring ink to substrate.
The waterless process offers several advantages vs. conventional printing, including better print quality measured in terms of color consistency, color saturation, detail reproduction and overall sharpness.
