Definition

Noun: A printing method where the ink image is transferred from a relief printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder (the "blanket" roller), and then from that cylinder onto the paper or other material. This is an indirect printing process.

Usage

"Letterset printing" is a technical term used in the graphic arts and printing industry. It describes a specific, less common printing technique. - The high-quality labels were produced using letterset printing. - Letterset printing combines aspects of both letterpress and offset printing.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: The term is used to distinguish this method from direct letterpress (where the plate touches the paper) and from offset lithography (which uses a planographic, not relief, plate).
• As a Process: It can be described as a stage in production.
  • They opted for letterset printing to achieve a sharp impression on the textured stock.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry offset printing: A synonym often used interchangeably with "letterset printing," emphasizing that the process does not use the water-based dampening system of traditional offset lithography.
• Indirect letterpress: Another descriptive synonym for this technique.
• Offset letterpress: A variant name highlighting its hybrid nature.

Synonyms

• Dry offset
• Indirect letterpress
• Offset letterpress

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Letterpress: A direct relief printing method from which letterset is derived.
• Offset printing / Lithography: A more common indirect printing method that uses a different (planographic) type of plate.

Noun

1. image is transferred from a relief type plate to a roller