When you need to use a commercial printer for a job or personal assignment, it can be difficult to know what to order from the printer. There are so many separate types of printing it can be confusing for any consumer to know which printing formula is most remarkable to their single project. With this article we are going to briefly discuss the most popular types of printing, giving you, the consumer, a bit more comprehension of each method.
Often the first prominent factor is finding and using a printing with a strong reputation in the printing field. This printer should be able to help you or give advice on many of the decisions you might need to make while getting a printing job done. Ask colse to and do study on the internet if possible, collate services and prices between one printer and another.
The Printers Printer
Digital printing is a new and very effective form of printing. This form of printing eliminates the use of film and plates, and sends a digital file directly from a computer to the press. Digital printing is relatively fast compared to other printing methods, making it a convenient formula for meeting deadlines and time restraints.
Electrostatic printing is a formula similar to photocopying where colour sticks to a drum and is fused by heat to paper. Electrostatic printing is similar to digital printing in that both processes are beneficial and effective for short printing runs.
The most popular printing process used by most printers is Offset Lithography. This is a formula where ink is used economically and set up time for the press is limited. This process is where ink is offset from metal plates to a rubber cylinder onto the paper. It is an affordable and most common formula of printing.
One of the first and former printing methods is the Letterpress, which was developed by Gutenberg is 1440. This is where relief printing was first developed; the printed image is slightly raised from the exterior of the plate - similar to a rubber stamp. This is a process performed by fewer printers as new technology takes over the printing world.
For the sharpest image, Engraving is a printing formula where the image feels indented. This type of printing process is used for fine or costly stationery, such as Law firm letterheads etc.
Thermography is a process which produces a raised image. This is a extra powder or dust which adheres to wet ink. Then heat is applied, which makes the powder and the ink fuse to form a raised surface. This formula is effective for stationery.
Reprographics is a normal term which includes copying and duplicating. Most, if not all, printing associates offer a reprographics service, where they can take your former file or document and make duplicates of them.
Screen printing is a process where ink is forced straight through a silk screen. This is often used on non flat goods e.g. Clothing, mugs, etc. This is a popular formula for large scale billboards and signage.
Flexography is a printing process used for containers products. This process uses rubber plates with printed areas raised in relief, the plates are flexible, making printing on many separate materials possible, eg plastic bags, bottle labels, cardboard boxes, etc.
Gravure printing is an costly high capability printing process which uses copper plates. This process is generally used to print high capability large volume materials such as magazines, newspaper, catalogues and more.
The best methods to ensure you get the printing results you require are to ask questions of your printer. It is prominent that the printing process will deliver required results. generally if you have chosen a good printer your products will look great.
