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