After creating your project you will want to get the best output. There are many ways through which you can ideally get your project printed. Discover the different range of printing methods and when to use which type of printing process. The different printing methods are
O Digital printing
O Flexography
O Letterpress printing
O Offset printing
O Rotogravure
O Screen printing.
However some of the most common types of printing methods have been explained.
DIGITAL PRINTING:
The process of transferring a document by means of device that accepts text and graphic output is called as digital printing. Digital printing has replaced Flexography. The introduction of digital printing has brought remarkable changes in the print quality and then standards have increased with the results of printing available in much less time than before.
Other benefits which are facilitated by digital printing are:
Unlike the traditional methods where in to print several impressions of the same thing were made onto the paper, in digital printing every impression appearing in the paper is different.
There is no absorption of the ink or toner in the paper. There is less waste of time in the set up of the paper and even in terms of chemicals.
Some of the common printing technologies have been listed below:
Line printing – Line printing is a process wherein preformatted characters are inserted to the papers by lines.
Daisy wheel – Here in this process each character is applied individually
Dot-matrix – An economic method that produces images by patterns of dots that are closely together.
Heat transfer – This is a method of printing fibers with disperse dyes. The designs in turn are transferred to the fabric from a pre printed paper through the contact of heat. The heat transfer method produces images that are very clear and the quality is best when this method is used.
O Laser – In this mode of printing the toner consists of polymer with pigment of different colors which are melted and applied to the paper. Thus the desired image would be produced.
FLEXOGRAPHY
Flexography is the most commonly also known as Flexo, Flexo graphic printing, Surface printing. It is most commonly used for packaging. A Flexo print is achieved by creating an image in the form of a 3D model made out of rubber or polymer material. A calculated amount of ink is then published on the printing plate. Thus the print surface rotates and comes in contact with the printing material, thus transferring the ink.
This printing mode has a greater edge over lithography as it offers the usage of a wide range of inks and can print on variety of materials. Flexo inks have low viscosity and this enables faster drying as well as faster production. Faster production ensures low cost of printing.
Flexography printing can be used in fabrics like paper, polythene bags, milk cartons, cups, wrappers of consumer products, envelopes, labels and newspapers. Flexography printing has gained much popularity due to its wide applicability.