Offset Printing is one of the most reliable and high-quality printing methods in the world. Whether newspapers, packaging, or labels, offset printing machines offer clarity, colour, and consistency. Colour configuration is one of the most crucial things to consider in offset printing, and this is where individual colour printing machines- single-colour or a six-colour offset printing machine- come into play; each stage opens up an opportunity for shades, coatings and special effects.
What Does “Colour” Mean in Offset Printing Machines?
In offset printing, a “colour” doesn’t just mean red, blue, or green; it refers to the number of ink units or printing stations in a machine. Each unit applies one colour of ink; these are layered together in small dots to create a wide range of colours.
- A Single colour offset printing machine has one unit.
- A 4 colour offset printing machine has four units (usually CMYK).
- A 6 colour offset printing machine has six units, often used for special finishes or extra colours.
Single Colour Offset Printing Machine
A single colour machine uses only one ink at a time, most commonly black. For more colours, the paper is run through the machine again with a different ink unit. A single colour offset printing machine is best used for invoices, billbooks, and basic stationery.
Two Colour Offset Printing Machine
This press includes two ink units. This means it can print two inks in one run, most commonly black plus one spot colour, or two different colours. A 2 colour offset printing machine is sharper and faster than running a single colour press twice. This machine is commonly used for printing flyers and brand stationery.
Four Colour Offset Printing Machine (CMYK)
The four colour press is the standard in commercial printing. It uses:
- C – Cya
- M – Magenta
- Y – Yellow
- K – Black (Key)
By layering these inks in tiny dots, printers can create the full colour spectrum. Photographs, gradients, and realistic images can be printed from this 4 colour offset printing machine. Most commonly used for magazines, catalogues, and marketing materials.
Five Colour Offset Printing Machine
This five-colour press is sophisticated and gives more flexibility beyond CMYK. It can be used for spot colours and coatings (gloss/matte). This 5 colour offset printing machine includes five ink units- four process colours along with an extra colour or coating for a high-end finish. You will find this type of printing in premium packaging and catalogues.
Six Colour Offset Printing Machine
This press has six ink units– CMYK + 2 extra colours. A 6 colour offset printing machine is used for metallic prints (gold/silver) and special coatings (matte/gloss). This offset press is best for luxury packaging, coffee table books, and art prints. The print is extremely high-end with metallic effects or coatings.
Single Colour vs Multi-Colour – Key Differences
- Single Colour: Prints only one colour at a time. Best for simple, text-heavy jobs.
- Two Colour: Slightly more versatile, but still limited in design.
- Four Colour (CMYK): Industry standard and realistic printing.
- Five & Six Colour: Used for high-end jobs requiring exact branding, metallics, or coatings where visuals are key.
In short, the more colour units a machine has, the better the designs can look. Each extra unit adds more options for colours, effects, and print quality.
Conclusion
Offset printing has evolved from basic single colour units to sophisticated six colour presses, capable of producing virtually any hue, texture, or special effect.
But if you have no special printing requirements but big on colour, bills, forms, or books, then a single or two colour machine is the most cost-effective. For marketing materials, brochures, and images, the four colour CMYK press is the industry standard. The five and six-colour presses are used for high-end, luxury finishes and metallic inks (gold, silver) along with sophisticated coatings (matte/gloss).
At Sneha Graphics and Solutions, we offer used offset printing machines that are exceptionally cost-efficient. We have all Types of offset printing machines, from single-colour presses to even six-colour machines, so we have a solution for every business need – whether you need traditional offset or need more advanced processing. These machines are available in brands such as KBA, Muller Martini, Ryobi, Komori, Heidelberg, Adast, Planta, Mitsubishi, and more.
Our technical team performs checks, services and installs machines for you to ensure the reliability and longevity of the results of each machine purchased.
Choosing the right colour configuration isn’t just about printing- it’s about making sure your business communicates professionalism, quality, and trust through every piece you produce.