The Most Important Printing Technology
Printing or printing technology is the process of transferring printing ink to a substrate.
A basic distinction is made between analog and digital printing. While analog printing requires a fixed printing form in order to be able to transfer the printing ink to the material to be printed, this is not required for digital printing. The print information is sent electronically to the printing press.
Letterpress printing technology
Invented by Johannes Gutenberg when he revolutionized modern book printing in 1450 with his moveable metal type, the letterpress is the oldest printing process in the world.
A classic example of letterpress is letterpress printing, also often referred to today as letterpress. You can recognize it by the shading and slight relief on the back, as well as by the bruised edges of the letters.
By using strong, voluminous cardboard, a deep embossing can be carried out using the high-pressure process, which provides a special haptic appeal and can also be used as an artistic element.
Flat printing: offset printing
In flat printing, in contrast to other printing processes, both the areas to be printed and the areas not to be printed are on the same level, the imprint is not based on a difference in height.
The places to be printed are therefore in almost the same plane as the places that are not printed. This process is based on the chemical principle of the repulsion of fat and water. The origins of this technology lie in stone printing as a lithographic printing process. This is invented by Alois Senefelder at the end of the 18th century.
The non-printing areas represent the bare aluminum plate, which is water-friendly due to its nature. During the printing process, the printing plate is wetted with water, and the areas to be printed repel the water and accept ink. The printing ink or m404dn toner is transferred to the paper via a rubber blanket. This is referred to as an indirect printing process since the printing material does not come into contact with the printing form.
How does the gravure printing process work?
In gravure printing, the areas to be printed lie deep in the printing form. The entire printing form is inked, and the excess color is removed with a squeegee so that the color only remains in the indentations. The ink is transferred directly to the substrate using high contact pressure.
Digital printing
With digital printing, the print data is sent directly from the computer to the printing machines.
With this knowledge of the individual printing processes, choosing the right technology for the respective printed product is all the easier.