Printing using letterpress (a printing plate with raised graphics and text) is referred to as letterpress printing. It is one of the main printing processes. It has the longest history and has been continuously improved during the long-term development process. Block printing technology was invented in the early Tang Dynasty in China. It involves carving text or images on a wooden board, removing the non-image and text parts to make the image and text bulge, and then applying ink and covering it with paper for printing. This is the most primitive embossed printing method. The earliest extant printed matter with a traceable date, the Vajra Prajnaparamita Sutra, is already a very mature print with woodblock printing.
Basic Information
The principle of letterpress printing is relatively simple. In relief printing, the ink feeding device of the printing machine first distributes the ink evenly, and then transfers the ink to the printing plate through the ink roller. Since the graphic part on the relief plate is much higher than the non-graphic part on the printing plate, therefore, The ink on the ink roller can only be transferred to the graphic part of the printing plate, while the non-graphic part has no ink. The paper feeding mechanism of the printing press transports the paper to the printing part of the printing press. Under the joint action of the printing plate device and the imprinting device, the ink in the graphic part of the printing plate is transferred to the substrate, thereby completing the printing of a printed matter. . If the printed paper has slight raised marks on the back of the paper, the edges of the lines or dots are neat, and the ink appears light in the center, it is a letterpress print. The edge of the raised print is under heavy pressure, so there is a slight bulge in the print.
Flexographic printing was originally a printing process using molded rubber letterpress plates. Because it originally used printing inks prepared with aniline dyes, it was once called flexographic printing. The earliest flexographic printing machine was invented by the British in 1890. It was initially used for paper bag printing and was later promoted for packaging printing of food, medicine and so on. Because aniline dyes are toxic and banned by health organizations, the formula of the ink used has long been changed, so people suggested changing the name. In 1952, it was decided to change the name to "flexography" at the 14th Annual Packaging Conference.
Basic Principle
It is to carve text or images on the wooden board, remove the non-image and text parts to make the image and text protrude, and then apply ink and cover it with paper for printing.
Printing Advantages and Aisadvantages
Advantages: Ink expressiveness is about 90%, with rich tones. Color reproduction is strong. The layout is durable. Number of printings
The quantity is huge. The range of paper used is wide, and materials other than paper can also be printed.
Disadvantages: The plate making fee is expensive, the printing fee is also expensive, the plate making work is complicated, and it is not suitable for small quantities of prints.
Application Scope
While digital printing is now mainstream, letterpress printing still holds a special place in the hearts of artists, designers, and print enthusiasts. Letterpress card making, in particular, has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its unique charm and tactile appeal.
Modern letterpress printing is used in a variety of applications including invitations, stationery and, of course, luxury business cards. Combining the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities, letterpress printing offers a unique, high-quality look and feel that is simply impossible to replicate with digital technology.
Letterpress Printing Machine
Flatbed letterpress printing machine
Flatbed letterpress printing machine is a unique printing machinery in letterpress printing. The disc machines and square box machines used in printing factories belong to this type of machine. This type of printing press produces large and uniform pressure during the printing process, and is suitable for printing trademarks, book covers, fine color pictures and other printed matter.
Round press letterpress printing machine
There are sheet-fed paper and roll paper. The printing speed is high, and it is mainly used to print large quantities of newspapers, books, periodicals, magazines, etc.
Web letterpress. Its paper feeding mechanism is relatively simple, but its paper delivery mechanism is complicated. The printed paper tape must be cut according to the required size, folded into stickers, counted, stacked and then output. Generally, the front and back sides are printed at the same time.
