For designers, knowing about printing processes is extremely important. The reason is it directly affects how their work will look in the end. Let’s take a look at four common printing methods that designers should understand and choose the most appropriate one based on their printing needs.
Offset Printing
Offset printing works by transferring ink from a plate onto a rubber roller, and then onto paper using a pressure roller. This method keeps ink and non-ink areas at the same level, making it perfect for high-quality prints like books, packaging boxes, and colorful magazines.
Offset Printing Principle
Rotary Offset Printing Press
Rotary offset paper is fast and has a large output, often used for printing newspapers and magazines.
Offset Printing Machine
8-color Offset Printing Machine
The key characteristic of offset printing is that both inked and non-inked areas are on the same level. In this method, ink is transferred to a rubber roller and then onto paper using a pressure roller. It’s ideal for high-quality printing as it prevents ink smudging since the printing plate doesn’t directly touch the paper. Even with less smooth paper, it can still deliver good results, and using aluminum plates makes the printing process easier.
Suitable Products
Ideal for multi-color printing of black and white and color books, packaging boxes, color magazines, posters, premium stationery, calendars, newspapers, and more.
Gravure Printing
Gravure printing is another method. It fills ink into recessed patterns to create detailed layers. This technique is suitable for high-volume prints like photos and color magazines.
Gravure printing
Suitable Products
- Engraved intaglio printing is ideal for valuable securities and currency, including stocks, checks, vouchers, oil tickets, stamps, various certificates, and awards.
- Photographic intaglio printing is suitable for high-volume color magazines, plastic films, OPP, and other packaging materials.
Web offset printing
Web offset printing is the third type of printing, achieved by creating hollow areas on the plate to allow ink to transfer through mesh holes. It’s suitable for printing on flat and curved rigid or flexible objects, such as glass, metal, and plastic materials.
Web offset printing
Suitable Products
It’s suitable for printing on flat and curved rigid or flexible objects, including plastic surfaces, large outdoor posters, printed circuit boards, spot varnish, transfer paper, and fabric.
Embossing Printing
Embossing printing is the last method. The ink is applied to raised patterns and directly pressed onto paper. This method is commonly used for printing large quantities of forms, envelopes, letterheads, etc., creating a strong and impactful impression.
Suitable Products
The products suitable for embossing printing include a variety of items such as forms, envelopes, letterheads, paper bags, self-adhesive papers with text or simple graphics, plastic films, and Tetra Pak beverages.
Conclusion
Designers should select the best printing method for each type of print product to ensure the desired outcome. Understanding printing processes helps designers work more effectively and improves the quality of their creations.
