A closer look at litho printers in Midrand
December 19, 2011 · Print This Article
Since its invention more than 200 years ago, lithography has been a popular choice for large volume printing. Litho printers in Midrand have set out this quick guide about the litho printing process:
How Lithography works:
Litho printing is a method that uses a stone or a metal plate with a smooth surface. It relies on elements that repel each other such as water and oil.
- History: Lithography was invented in 1796 by Alois Senefelder. Senefelder would put an oil based image on a smooth limestone surface and apply a solution of gum arabic in water. During this process, water adheres to the gum arabic surfaces and avoids the oily parts whilst the oily ink does the opposite.
- Basic principles: Lithography creates images through a simple chemical process. An image has a positive and a negative side. The positive side of the image contains a hydrophobic (water-repellent) substance whilst the negative side is hydrophilic (water-retaining). When introducing a plate to a compatible water and ink mixture, the ink adheres to the positive image while the negative image is cleaned by the water. Litho printing allows for a flat print plate to be used. This means that much longer and more detailed print runs are possible.
- Advantages: Litho printing produces superior image quality compared to most other printing processes and when used for high-volume printing runs, it is very cost-effective.
Lithography, the printing process:
The modern litho printing process uses the same principles as traditional presses, but the processes have been optimised thanks to technological advances in the industry. The modern lithography process involves placing a photographic negative of the desired image in contact with an emulsion. The plate is then exposed to ultraviolet light. Following development, the reverse image of the negative is shown in the emulsion, thus a duplicate of the original. Another way of creating the image on the emulsion is by using a direct laser imaging device known as a plate setter.
Use litho printing services in Midrand for superior image quality and great value. Contact Minuteman Press Midrand for Litho printing and all your printing needs
