Types of Printing

Digital printing is a new and extremely effective form of printing. This form of printing eliminates the use of film and plates, and sends a digital file directly from a computer to the press. Digital printing is relatively fast compared to other printing methods, making it a convenient method for meeting deadlines and time restraints.

Electrostatic printing is a method similar to photocopying where colour sticks to a drum and is fused by heat to paper. Electrostatic printing is similar to digital printing in that both processes are useful and effective for short printing runs.
The most popular printing process used by most printers is Offset Lithography. This is a method where ink is used economically and set up time for the press is limited. This process is where ink is offset from metal plates to a rubber cylinder onto the paper. It is an affordable and most common method of printing.
One of the first and original printing methods is the Letterpress, which was developed by Gutenberg is 1440. This is where relief printing was first developed; the printed image is slightly raised from the surface of the plate - similar to a rubber stamp. This is a process performed by fewer printers as new technology takes over the printing world.

For the sharpest image, Engraving is a printing method where the image feels indented. This type of printing process is used for fine or expensive stationery, such as Law firm letterheads etc.

Thermography is a process which produces a raised image. This is a special powder or dust which adheres to wet ink. Then heat is applied, which makes the powder and the ink fuse to form a raised surface. This method is effective for stationery.

Reprographics is a general term which includes copying and duplicating. Most, if not all, printing companies offer a reprographics service, where they can take your original file or document and make duplicates of them.

Screen printing is a process where ink is forced through a silk screen. This is often used on non flat goods e.g. clothing, mugs, etc. This is a popular method for large scale billboards and signage.

Flexography is a printing process used for packaging products. This process uses rubber plates with printed areas raised in relief, the plates are flexible, making printing on many different materials possible, eg plastic bags, bottle labels, cardboard boxes, etc.

Gravure printing is an expensive high quality printing process which uses copper plates. This process is commonly used to print high quality large volume materials such as magazines, newspaper, catalogues and more.
The best methods to ensure you get the printing results you require are to ask questions of your printer. It is important that the printing process will deliver required results. Generally if you have chosen a good printer your products will look great.