Printing Processes Graphics

Printing Processes Graphics

1. Offset Lithography

   • It is mainly used for commercial printing
   • It works on the principle that water and grease don't mix
   • The image attracts grease (the ink) and rejects water
   • The high speed and cheapness of the process makes it the most widely used method
   • They use 4 colours which are, cyan, magenta, yellow and black
     • The black is applied last as it creates tone
   • Mass production printing

2. Flexography

   • Uses flat printing plates, it uses flexible rubber or plastic plates for cylinders
   • The cylinders rotate to print onto paper, card, plastic or metal
   • It is used for packaging, cartons or point of sale material
   • It can also be used to print newspapers

3. Gravure

   • Produces high-quality prints in large volumes
   • Very expensive to set up
   • Its used for high quality reproduction of photos, paintings, full colour magazines and books
   • The images are etched onto a plate through a screen. The image is broken down into dots
     • Ink fills the dot cells and excess ink is removed using a doctor blade
       • Rubber covered cylinders press the paper into the cells holes, creating a printed image, The deeper the holes, the darker the image

4. Screen printing

   • Can be done onto T-Shirts, Bags, Banners, Signs, Shopping bags, Posters, Packaging and flyers
   • Simple stencils can be made and used to produce relatively cheap prints fast and effectively
   • 1.The screen is made as a wooden frame. Nylon fabric is cut 5cm larger than the frame and the sketched and stapled
     • 2. The shape is cut out of paper and either part is used to create the stencil
       • 3. The screen is hinged to allow it to be raised and lowered without changing positon, then the paper and stencil are placed under the screen
         • 4. the screen is then lowered and secured in position
           • 5. The ink is then squeezed through the nylon fabric mesh by using a rubber-bladed squeegee
             • 6. The ink then passes through the unblocked area of the stencil to produce your final printed image

5. Letter Press

   • Prints from a raised surface
   • The surface receives ink and is then pressed onto the paper
   • This process is expensive as metal letters have to be individually made
   • Letter press is now only used for high quality books and stationary, generally in short runs

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