| There many different methods of printing. Technology | | | | the computer and printed like a copy. |
| has only become better. Initially there were impact | | | | Letterpress: |
| printers that needed to physically touch the surface | | | | Gutenberg's brainchild, this is considered to be the |
| while printing. Now we have non impact printers and | | | | original printing method. It has become obsolete but |
| printing methods where no direct contact is required | | | | worth a mention because it paved the way for relief |
| between the mechanism and surface. Let's find out | | | | printing. In relief printing the image or text that needs to |
| more about the different printing processes. | | | | be printed is raised from the core surface. |
| Offset Printing: | | | | Gravure Printing: |
| This type of printing is extremely economical and | | | | The gravure printing specially designed copper plates |
| popular. Set up time is limited and mass production of | | | | are used to get the job done. Needless to say, the |
| newspapers, magazines and flyers is quicker and | | | | cost of printing does go up. It helps in printing images |
| faster. Here the text and images are transferred first | | | | which have a continuous tone and other effects quite |
| on to metal plates and then onto rubber cylinders. The | | | | similar to a photograph. This printing method is used for |
| printing process begins and rubber cylinders offset the | | | | special effects required by printers, high quality cards, |
| text onto the paper. It is also called lithography. | | | | newspapers and magazines. The National Geographic |
| Flexography: | | | | magazine uses this technique for printing. |
| Flex is a special surface which is thicker than paper. | | | | Engraving: |
| The composition is different as well. Flex is used for | | | | We all know what engraving is. Engraving used to be |
| signages as well. Flexography is the printing process | | | | done by hand on many surfaces like wood and metal. |
| on this flex surface. This technique is also used for | | | | Today we have lasers doing the job for us. Commonly |
| printing labels and other matter on bottles and | | | | used for invitation cards and letter heads. The final |
| cardboard boxes. | | | | result is that of a special indentation. |
| Digital Printing: | | | | Screen Printing: |
| It's the digital age so we have to have digital printing as | | | | In this printing process special screens are made out of |
| well! It is quickly replacing offset printing as the most | | | | silk or other materials to give the required effect and |
| preferred printing process as it is quick and cost | | | | finish. Screen printing is done on different surfaces like |
| effective. Some believe that the quality of digital | | | | ceramics, cotton t - shirts and different types of paper. |
| printing is not as good as offset but with newer | | | | The best option is to get a quality printer who will |
| machines and designing software it's all changing. Think | | | | answer all your queries and help you get the best |
| of digital printing like a copy. You need plates, films or | | | | results. If you are looking for one such printer, we can |
| cylinders for offset printing. In digital printing the material | | | | recommend Thomson's GraphiPress. |
| that's needed to be printed is accessed directly from | | | | |