If you’ve ever needed to print large quantities of a document or want the highest quality printing possible, you’ll know the importance of offset printing.
Offset printing is most often used for high volume print runs. Digital printing is better for small volume runs.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing an offset printer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great offset printer?
Choosing the right offset printer will give you confidence your print project will be managed well, and to budget and deadline.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing an offset printer.
- High-quality equipment. While offset printing isn’t new, using the latest equipment and technology ensures a great product. High-speed equipment means printing is quick.
- End-to-end service. Many offset printers offer other services like graphic design, binding and embellishing. If you want to streamline your printing project by using only one printer, choose an offset printer who offers end-to-end services.
- In-house printing. The best local offset printers handle printing in-house. This give them more control over quality and deadlines.
- Commitment to deadlines. If you’re working to a nail-biting deadline, look for an offset printer who has proven experience in handling tight deadlines.
- Value-for-money. Offset printing varies in price depending. Price depends on what you need and which printer you choose. Research and get quotes to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
The best offset printers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
New Millennium Print
New Millennium Print is a boutique, family-owned and operated business. It offers both offset and digital printing. For offset printing, New Millennium Print uses a state-of-the art Heidelberg Speedmaster 52 5 printer from Germany, the only one of its kind in Canberra. This high-tech machine gives clients more design options, faster production turnaround and better value-for-money.
Chantelle Ambrolo wrote on Google, “I’ve used many other printing companies and have found New Millennium Print to be the best as they have the best service and attention to detail.
CanPrint Communications
CanPrint has more than 50 years’ experience providing printed products. As a leader in quality offset printing services, CanPrint’s knowledgeable operations team uses modern printing and finishing equipment, keeping control of quality and turnaround. CanPrint also provides other services including graphic design, typesetting, warehousing and distribution.
On Google, Michaela Watson wrote, “CanPrint is a delight to deal with … making the proofing, printing and delivery to different destination points as seamless and effortless as possible.”
Elect Printing
Elect Printing offers expert offset printing for government departments, small business, schools and trade works. It is Canberra’s largest locally owned printing house with high quality printing equipment. Elect Printing handles long run jobs with offset printing. It also handles related jobs like graphic design, finishing and prepress.
On Google, Kathryn Wright wrote, “Our marketing team has used Elect for a number of years to provide a range of high-quality print outputs (often with urgent turnarounds) at an excellent price.”
Impress Printers
Impress Printers, established in 1980, is family owned and operated. Its team is committed to quality, personalised service. All production staff are qualified professionals. Impress Printing offers high quality offset printing for large volume jobs. It uses the latest machinery, recycled paper and paper created from sustainably forested timber. Impress Printers focuses on the right product at the right price in the right time.
Rebecca Shaw wrote on Google, “Excellent service, fast turnaround and great quality.”
If you’re looking for more information on printers in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best printers Canberra has to offer. You might also be interested in reading our articles on the best billboards and digital signage, the best signwriters and the best web designers in Canberra.
Your experience with offset printers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the offset printing companies listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of offset printing?
One advantage of offset printing is that large quantities can be printed more cost effectively. Usually, the more you print the cheaper the price is per piece. Other advantages are that a large variety of paper types with custom finishes can be used. You can also have special custom inks, like metallic. This is the highest possible printing quality.
Do printers have to be qualified?
It’s best to choose a printer with proven experience in print production. Ask about their education, training, technical expertise and how long they’ve been in the industry. Many offset printers have trade certificates.
Isn’t it cheaper to have my printing done overseas?
Printing overseas isn’t always cheaper. Before you go overseas, assess all risks. Check that the company is ‘real’. Check that they can communicate clearly in English. Ask how they intend to deliver and what happens if you don’t get what you expect. Using local not only supports local, it guarantees you can meet someone in person if a problem arises.
How much does it cost to have something printed?
This varies on factors like what you need printed, quantities and your deadline. You might want to get more than one quote to get a feel for the market and ensure a competitive, fair price. When asking a printer to quote, provide the same specs to each so you can compare apples-to-apples.
Do printers follow environmentally friendly practices?
Today, more and more printers operate to protect the environment, including through choice of paper stock, ink and printing techniques. Some printers are more ‘green’ than others, so if environmentally responsible printing practices are important, ask the printer how they print to protect the environment. With offset printing vegetable-based ink can be used.