Printing & Converting Research Center
Introduction to Offset Lithography (Outline)
Back to Course Information

Day 1 - Begin 9:00am

Introductions 
and
 Week
 Overview


A. Define
 the 
Lithographic 
Processes

     a. Methods

     b. Concepts

     c. Markets

B. Image
 Transfer

     a. Lithography 
vs.
 Offset
 Lithography

     b. Inking
     
c. Impression

     d. Drying

C. Evolution
 of
 Lithography

     a. Time-line

     b. Current
 Trends

D. Presses
     
a. Types

     b. System 
Components

E. Lithographic 
Plates

     a. Types

     b. Uses

     c. Care 
and
 Handling

     d. Troubleshooting

     e. Plate
 Output

F. Press 
Mechanics

     a. Blanket 
Changing
     
b. Striping 
the 
press

     c. Setting 
Rollers
     
d. Verifying
 Pressures

     e. Lubrication

G. 1 
Color 
Press-run


End 
time 
4:30
PM

Day 2 - Begin 8:30am

Review
 of 
Previous 
Day, 
Transition
 into 
Lithography 
Production 
Components


A. Paper
     
a. Classifications

     b. Weights

     c. Sizes

     d. Attributes

     e. Uses

     f. Troubleshooting

B. Inks

     a. Composition
     
b. Types

     c. Attributes

     d. Uses

     e. Troubleshooting

C. Blankets

     a. Attributes

     b. Types

     c. Care 
and 
Maintenance

D. Press-room
 Chemicals

     a. Fountain
 Solutions
     
b. Additives

     c. Cleaner
 Types
 and 
Uses

E. Hands‐on 
Prepress 
& 
Workflow

     a. Terminology

     b. Art 
Layout

     c. Plate making

     d. Press 
Preparation

F. Hands‐on
 Pressmanship:
 1
-color
, 2‐sided
 printing

     a. Registration

     b. Impression
     c. Ink
 and Water Balance

End 
time 
4:30
PM

Day 3 - Begin 8:30am

Review
 of
 Previous
 Day
 &
 Transition 
to
 Halftones 
and
 Finishing


A. Halftones:
 Why 
Print
 with 
Dots?

     a. Definition

     b. Resolution

B. Prepress
 and 
Production

     a. Substrate
 Selection

     b. Image 
Capture

     c. Layout

     d. Plate making

     e. 2
-Color
 Press 
run

C. Finishing

     a. Cutting

     b. Fold

     c. Bind

D. Course
 Wrap 
up

     a. Question 
&
 Answer

     b. Evaluation
     
c. Certificates


End
time 4:00
PM


Back to Course Information