What is Press

In this stage, the project design after getting approved in the prepress step is transferred onto a substrate depending upon the type of printing to produce text and images. The substrates which are used for printing range from paper, plastic, fabric and textile to a wide selection of other types.  

There are plenty of printing options available but here we will discuss the most frequently used methods employed by printers to meet clients’ diverse needs. Let's dive in: 

Offset/Lithography 

Offset printing is one of the most commonly used techniques for printing newspapers, brochures, books, magazines, etc. The technique involves transferring an inked image from the printing plate to the rubber blanket and then finally to the substrate itself. The rubber blankets are wrapped around all three cylinders, and the paper is passed through them in a continuous flow to print the receiving media. 

It uses offset printing machines suitable for large print runs with high-quality results and brings a lot of value to products, packaging and publications. However, it requires a tedious set up- printing plates and inks have to be set up beforehand. And add to that the extra amount of maintenance it requires. 

Digital Printing 

Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small-run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed. They use large-format and/or high-volume laser or inkjet printers. It does not require press plates to carry the image like in other traditional methods. Moreover, digital printing machines can produce a higher quality print from a lower quality as well.  

Screen Printing 

Screen printing involves transferring a stenciled design onto the material using a mesh screen, ink and squeegee. The stencils used in design can vary depending on the material that has to be printed. This printing is most commonly used for fabric & paper but with specialized inks, it can print on wood, metal, plastic and glass as well. In the case of multiple colors being used for printing, all the colors need to be applied in individual layers and require different stencils for each one. 

Flexography 

Flexography is a type of rotary printing in which flexible rubber or other elastomeric printing plates are used to apply ink on the substrate. The inks used dry quickly and have low migration making them suitable for their usage in wrappers that come directly in contact with foods. It suited to both medium and long print runs and accommodates various inks. 

Gravure Printing  

The printing surface of gravure printing has recessed parts that are filled with ink. The raised flat surface is then scraped clean with a blade to remove excess ink before being pushed onto the paper. 

The press stage involves using different printing methods to transfer images onto the materials with the help of printing inks. The printers employ these techniques to get outcomes that are consistent with the intended project. There are several factors, like the choice of material and ink being the primary ones, that must be taken into consideration before deciding upon the type of printing technique and corresponding equipment. 

At Machine Dalal, we have a wide range of printing machines listed with us by trusted suppliers and manufacturers from all around the world. Do visit us at our website to find the right equipment as per your requirements.   
 
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