Different Types of Printing Processes Available: Choose Accordingly

Posted by Rita H Peterson on August 20th, 2019

Printing processes have evolved a lot since the days of Gutenberg. They are no longer limited to ink and paper. They aren’t even limited two dimensions anymore. Now your local printing services in Stuart can print your logo on posters, billboards, T-shirts, packages, coffee mug and other stuff you didn’t know could be printed upon. They can even print out 3D models. The type of printing process you should choose depends on the purpose, i.e. what you want to print. For example, you will need a different printer for printing on your T-shirt than the one for printing on your poster.

Some Printing Methods Used by Printing Services:

Digital Printing: You might have come across this printing process. In this, you give a command in your computer and the printer prints the output. The quality and quantity of the output depend on the printer’s model. There two main types of digital printers, inkjet and xerographic(laser). Inkjet printers are used for signage, posters and publication while laser printers are ideal for brochures, pamphlets and other documents.

Offset Lithography: In this process, metal plates and rubber rollers are used to print the image on to the surface. The metal plate has the image which is transferred to the rubber roller by ink and then printed on the material. It’s used for printing huge quantities with high quality on various surfaces like paper, wood, plastic, cloth, etc. and is used for printing newspapers, pamphlets, business cards, etc.

Flexography: It uses flexible plates to print on three dimensional objects like cans and boxes in large quantities. It’s used for printing on metal, paper, celluloid and plastic among other surfaces for grocery bags, packages, cans, etc.

Gravure: Also called rotogravure, in this method an image etched onto a barrel plate which prints the image on the surface with ink. It’s mostly used for newspapers, magazines, brochures,  pamphlets, etc. because this method prints out good quality prints in large volumes.

3D Printing: In this method, 3D models are designed on software like CAD and printed out layer by layer using special plastic substances. It’s generally used for printing toys, novelty items, display items and freebies.

Screen Printing: This is the method you need for your personalized T-shirts. Here the ink is pressed to a screen made of fabric or other fine material and press on to the surface to print the image. A stencil is used to block areas you don’t want the ink on. You need some time to set it up, that’s why companies prefer printing the same images in bulk than in small numbers. It’s also used for printing on plastic, metal and paper surfaces.

Engraving: This is the costliest and most time-consuming printing method. Here the image is engraved on a printing plate by machine or by hand, then filled with ink and finally a paper is pressed on it. This method gives the surface a 3D texture which is why it’s used for high-end stationery meant for high ranking officials.

Thermography: It’s the cheaper method of creating 3D impressions; here heat is used to fuse ink and powder to create the impressions. It’s mainly used for stationery.

Which Printing Service is the best?

It depends on what you need. For a small number of posters, digital printing is enough. For large quantities, gravure or offset lithography is needed. For printing on 3D surfaces, flexography is ideal and to print out 3D models you need 3D printers. Your choice should also depend on your budget. In most printing methods, it’s always cheaper to print in bulk than in low quantities. However, methods like engraving are costly and reserved for the elite.

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Rita H Peterson

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Rita H Peterson
Joined: May 16th, 2018
Articles Posted: 94

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