Chicago Offset Printing

Chicago Offset Printing

When you have a large printing job, offset printing is often the best way to get a premium result. Thomas Group Printing is a highly-experienced commercial printer, trusted by some of the world’s most innovative companies.

Operating since 1912, we’ve seen the printing industry evolve, but offset or lithographic printing remains an excellent option for high-quality, sharp printing at large volumes, especially for the diverse and dynamic needs of Chicago businesses.

Fast, High-Quality Offset Printing for Chicago

Whether you’re producing thousands of glossy programs for a downtown Chicago theater, printing catalogs for a local boutique, or need booklets for a trade show at McCormick Place, Thomas Group Printing is here to serve all of Chicago’s offset printing needs.

Our commitment to quality, professionalism, and free delivery within the city makes us the ideal partner for businesses looking to make an impact.

Unlike digital printing, which is perfect for smaller projects, offset allows for the efficient production of thousands of copies at once.

The cost per piece decreases as the number of prints increases, making offset printing more economical for large-volume projects.

While there’s an initial setup cost for creating printing plates, that cost is distributed across the entire print run, resulting in significant savings for large jobs. Our experienced press team can help you determine the most cost-effective printing method for your specific project.

How Does Offset Printing Work?

Offset printing, also known as lithography, works by transferring the image to be printed onto a printing plate directly from the digital file.

This method, called computer-to-plate or direct-to-plate offset printing, offers better precision than older techniques, which required film negatives.

We prefer to receive your files in CMYK format to ensure color accuracy.

Once the image is on the plate, it’s transferred to a rubber sheet on the press, which then applies the ink to the paper.

The process may seem complex, but it results in clear, defined images and is highly efficient for large print runs. Modern offset printing methods now rival digital printing in flexibility and precision, making it an ideal solution for high-volume projects.

Products That Work With Offset Printing

Offset printing is ideal for projects that require a high volume of print products. This includes magazines, catalogs, posters, brochures, and even books.

Typically, orders of more than 2,500 pieces are perfect candidates for offset printing. The large sheets of paper used in this process allow for greater flexibility in product size.

We offer full-color printing, spot color options, and protective coatings to ensure the longevity and quality of your products. Additionally, we provide a wide range of paper choices to match your needs.

Customization options after printing include binding, folding, and other finishing touches. Whether you need saddle-stitched booklets or brochures folded to your specifications, we can tailor the finishing process to your project.

Examples of Offset Printing Projects We’ve Done

For more inspiration, check out Thomas Group’s Inspiration blog, featuring creative projects that have rolled off our presses. It’s the perfect resource to gather ideas for your next print project.

Read Reviews From Real Customers

“It’s always a perk to be able to work with a family-owned business, but the Thomas Group sets themselves apart from the competition on so many other levels. From the moment I reached out with questions through the point of having our [publication] in-hand, Rory was incredibly polite, timely, and accommodating in all requests. The cost was more than fair and the color and paper quality were excellent. I will definitely go to the Thomas group for future projects and recommend them to anyone […].” – Aron W.

“I worked with Thomas Group Printing for a project with multiple printing requirements under a very tight timeline. They were amazing to work with – very communicative, professional, and delivered everything I needed on time. Other printers I researched could not meet my deadline, and not only did Thomas Group meet it without any issues, but the entire experience was very easy and positive. Will definitely use them again!” – Kristen K.

We Deliver Quality Offset Jobs Fast – Expected Turnaround Times

Many offset printing companies require months of lead time, but not Thomas Group Printing. Our streamlined business model allows us to deliver large offset jobs with a typical production time of just days – not weeks.

We offer fast, free shipping throughout Chicago, meaning your order arrives promptly. For most Chicago-based customers, print jobs can be expected within  7-8 days of placing an order.

We encourage customers to place their order as soon as possible to allow for extra time in case our team identifies any file or artwork issues during pre-production.

Your Trusted Partner for Chicago Offset Printing

At Thomas Group Printing, we understand that printing needs can arise unexpectedly, and we always strive to meet your deadlines while maintaining the highest level of quality. As a fourth-generation family-owned business, we take pride in providing excellent customer service and adapting to the latest in print technology.

We have experience with all types of printing projects and are here to bring that expertise to your next job. With fast, free shipping across Chicago, we aim to make your printing process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Contact us today to start your offset printing project and discover the commitment to quality that sets Thomas Group Printing apart from the competition.