Lithographic printing is most suited towards medium to large print runs of either text and/or graphics.
Many printed products make use of lithographic printing technology, including:
• Advertising flyers
• Newspapers
• Books
• Office stationary
Modern day lithography is also known as an 'offset printing'. Unlike most printing techniques, ink is not directly spread over the printing plate (or roller) and then stamped or rolled onto the print surface. Ink is placed onto the printing plate, but instead of it being directly pressed or rolled on to the print surface, it is first transferred/offset to a rubber blanket. The text or graphic on the rubber blanket is then transferred to the print surface.
Lithographic presses/printing technology, work on the basis that oil and water can’t be mixed. Lithographic printing plates have to go through special treatment that involves the uses of chemicals. This treatment ensures that the print areas of the plate are ink-receptive and the non-print areas of the print plate are ink-resisting.
Whilst printing, a liquid substance known as fountain solution, is added to the print head. This solution is made of water mixed with low-levels of isopropyl alcohol. This fountain solution collects in the ink-resisting areas of the print head. The ink is then applied and settles only in the ink-receptive areas. This is due to the fact that the ink and water in the fountain solution don’t mix.
Many printed products make use of lithographic printing technology, including:
• Advertising flyers
• Newspapers
• Books
• Office stationary
Modern day lithography is also known as an 'offset printing'. Unlike most printing techniques, ink is not directly spread over the printing plate (or roller) and then stamped or rolled onto the print surface. Ink is placed onto the printing plate, but instead of it being directly pressed or rolled on to the print surface, it is first transferred/offset to a rubber blanket. The text or graphic on the rubber blanket is then transferred to the print surface.
Lithographic presses/printing technology, work on the basis that oil and water can’t be mixed. Lithographic printing plates have to go through special treatment that involves the uses of chemicals. This treatment ensures that the print areas of the plate are ink-receptive and the non-print areas of the print plate are ink-resisting.
Whilst printing, a liquid substance known as fountain solution, is added to the print head. This solution is made of water mixed with low-levels of isopropyl alcohol. This fountain solution collects in the ink-resisting areas of the print head. The ink is then applied and settles only in the ink-receptive areas. This is due to the fact that the ink and water in the fountain solution don’t mix.