Printing Tools
The tools used in printing vary based on the type of surface to be printed on, as well as the size and nature of the job at hand. However, all printing processes share essential tools that must be in place to complete the task effectively. The most crucial of these is the printer, with its type determining the surface on which printing will occur. Additionally, a device is required to command the printer to begin and provide the content to be printed; typically, this device is a computer equipped with specific software designed for creating print commands.
Definition of Printing
Printing is a sophisticated science that originated through the application of pressure on a coloring element to color a specific surface. However, this definition has become outdated due to advancements in printing technologies that do not necessarily rely on pressing coloring agents onto surfaces to create text or images. Consequently, a broader definition of printing has emerged: it refers to the ability to preserve texts or images on a permanent surface.
Types of Printing
Printing can be categorized into three primary types based on the method used to apply texts or images to the desired surface, as outlined below:
Relief Printing
Relief printing is among the oldest forms of printing, where letters, images, and shapes are created in relief using materials such as metal or nylon, similar to stamps. Ink is applied to these raised characters or shapes, which are then pressed onto the intended surface, allowing the surface to absorb the ink through the applied pressure.
Intaglio Printing
Intaglio printing involves engraving texts or images onto a cylindrical, typically copper, surface. The cylinder is then immersed in ink, allowing it to enter all the recessed areas created by the engraving process. Excess ink on the non-engraved surfaces is cleaned off before the cylinder is pressed onto the target surface, filling the engraved spaces and making the texts stand out.
Planographic Printing
This type of printing operates on the principle of water and oil separation and is utilized for printing on challenging surfaces such as metals and plastics. This method was discovered by the German inventor Alois Senefelder in 1796 by chance.