Printing Processes

Offset litho


The image above illustrates the offset lithographic printing processes. To print using offset lithography the inked image is transferred (this is where the 'offset' part of it comes from) from a printing plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing substrate. The advantages of this printing processes are that:
*you can reproduce the same image quality throughout the whole print job
*It is quick and easy to run a job through once the printing plates have been set up for printing.
*the plate for printing lasts longer than on direct Lithographic printing as the lack of contact between plate and substrate lowers wear and tear.
*the more you print, technically the less you pay (the majority of price is due to setting the plates up for print appropriatley and ink and paper price is much cheaper)

With these advantages there are obviously disadvantages too and these are things like image quality to compared to gravure or photogravure.

To print using this process you can have your job 'web - fed' or 'sheet fed' depending on your content, size of job and your budget.

Rotogravure (Gravure)


Rotogravure or gravure ( see image above ) as it is commonly known is a type of intaglio printing process. In gravure printing, the image is engraved onto a copper cylinder because, like offset and flexography, it uses a rotary printing press. The vast majority of gravure presses print on reels of paper not sheets. The printing plates are engraved digitally by a diamond tip or laser etching machine and this creates small wells (or 'dots') where the ink sits in. The depth and size control the amount of ink that gets transferred to the substrate and it is noted for its remarkable density range which is a process of choice for fine art and photography reproduction due to the amount of detail it gives.

Flexography


Flexography or flexo printing is commonly used for printing labels and packaging. To print using flexo you create a positive mirrored image as a 3d relief on a rubber maerial and then the ink is deposited on the surface of the printing plate (or printing cylinder) Then the print surface rotates which makes contact with the print material which transfers the ink.

Pad printing

Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object on is commonly used to print things onto uneven surfaces such as pens, letters on computer keyboards and calculator keys.