Printing is a process of reproducing text and images, usually using ink to print on paper using a printer. Hence, it is necessary to have different types of printing technology to meet the increasing demands of customers.
Currently, there are many different printing technologies with different properties. Each printing technology is applied to specific industries and fields to make them suitable for the nature of that industry. Therefore, to understand and know which printing technology is the best today, customers should have the basic knowledge to make the appropriate choice. Here are four of the most well-known and commonly used types:
OFFSET PRINTING
Offset printing is currently the most common printing process with the printed part visible on the plate. This printing process moves ink from a plate to a rubber roller (or cover plate) and other surfaces to produce high-quality images and designs.
Application for high volume printing products: brochures, stationery, magazines, paper boxes, paper bags, etc.
Advantages:
- High Quality
- Flexibility
- Cost-effective
- Print on many different surfaces
- Print products in bulk
- Fast implementation process
DIGITAL PRINTING
The most advanced 2D printing method now in use that incorporates computer digital technology into printing is called digital printing. The computer will automatically evaluate the design file image before merging it with ink. After that, the printer’s nozzle will spray ink straight onto the surface that has to be printed.
Digital printing includes different technologies such as UV printing, laser printing, heat transfer printing, etc.
Application: used to print photos, name cards, envelopes, office publications, billboards, posters, etc.
Advantages:
- Fast printing time, simple operation
- Print on almost any material
- Easy test printing and color correction on the computer
- Sharp printed images, even small or large-sized images
FLEXO PRINTING
Flexographic printing, also known as flexography. This is the printing technique that uses embossed prints to print images directly. It assists in raising printed elements (such as text, graphics, etc.) over non-printed parts on the horizontal printing plate. In particular, the anilox is placed in the opposite direction from the images on the printing mold. The printing medium is then directly coated with the Flexo ink.
Applications include printing on cartons, stickers, decals, etc.
Advantages:
- Print on many different surfaces and materials
- Print in bulk
- Ink that dries quickly and prints quickly
- The printing procedure is fairly easy
GRAVURE PRINTING
Gravure printing, also known as intaglio printing. This is a printing method that uses a plated printing cylinder for an image identification layer and a copper layer. Parts that need printing, such as texts or images, are engraved under the surface of the cylinder. Parts that do not need printing will be on the surface of the cylinder. Most gravure printing is mainly web printing.
Applycation: used to print plastic packaging, composite coating, etc.
Advantages:
- Very high precision
- Ink prints evenly and covers deep surfaces
- Fast print speed up to 200m/min
- Capable of high-quality image restoration
In this article, we’ve outlined five of the most popular printing methods and their advantages. Depending on the purpose and quantity of printing, customers can choose the appropriate printing technology to optimize time and cost.
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