Types of printing presses

Printing (printing, typographical arts, also using graphic communication) is the transfer of text, pictures, photographs, anti-counterfeiting and other manuscripts through processes such as plate-making, inking and pressing in order to transfer ink to paper, fabric, plastic, on leather etc. A technique for batch-wise reproduction of manuscript content on the surface of a material. Printing is the process of transferring an approved printing plate to a substrate by means of printing machinery and special inks.

In addition to selecting the appropriate substrate (paper or other printing materials) and ink, it is still necessary to complete the final effect of the printed matter through an appropriate printing method. There are many types of printing, with different methods, different operations, and different costs and effects. The main classification methods are as follows:

Classification of printing methods based on the relative position of graphic and non-graphical areas on the printing plate

According to the relative positions of graphic and non-graphical areas on the printing plate, common printing methods can be divided into four categories: letterpress printing, gravure printing, lithographic printing and stencil printing:

(1) Letterpress printing. The graphic part of the printing plate is raised, which is obviously higher than the blank part. The printing principle is similar to that of a seal. Early woodblock printing, movable type printing and later type printing all belong to letterpress printing.

(2) Gravure printing, the graphic part of the printing plate is lower than the blank part, which is often used for the printing of banknotes, stamps and other securities.

(3) Lithographic printing, the graphic part and the blank part of the printing plate are almost on the same plane, and the method of printing is carried out by using the principle of immiscibility of oil and water.

(4) Stencil printing, the graphic part of the printing plate is a hole, and the ink is transferred to the surface of the substrate through the hole. The common stencil printing includes hollow plate and screen plate.

Classification of printing methods according to the paper feeding method of the printing machine

According to the paper feeding method used by the printing press, printing can be divided into:

(1) Flat paper printing: also known as sheet-fed printing. It is printed on flat paper.

(2) Web printing: also known as rotary printing. It is a method of using web printing.

Classification of printing methods according to whether the printing plate is in contact with the substrate

According to whether the printing plate is in direct contact with the substrate, printing can be divided into:

(1) Direct printing: The printing ink on the printing plate is directly printed in contact with the substrate. Such as letterpress printing, gravure printing, screen printing.

(2) Indirect printing: A printing method in which the ink of the printing plate is transferred to the substrate through a blanket.

Among them, there are many types of screen printing machines in 2020:

1. Semi-automatic screen printing machine

2. Fully automatic screen printing machine

3. Non-standard screen printing machine