Printing? There’s only one method, right? Wrong!
There are many techniques used in printing and at Nebraska PrintWorks, we are experts in the most widely used printing processes.
Offset Printing:
the now commonly used printing technique was developed in 1875 by Robert Barclay for printing on tin and then in 1904 by Ira Washington Rubel for printing on paper. This process offers a consistent high image quality, it’s cost efficient and it’s quick and easy. It’s used in the printing of newspapers, brochures, books, magazines, etc. it economically produces large quantities of high-quality products.
Offset Printing:
the now commonly used printing technique was developed in 1875 by Robert Barclay for printing on tin and then in 1904 by Ira Washington Rubel for printing on paper. This process offers a consistent high image quality, it’s cost efficient and it’s quick and easy. It’s used in the printing of newspapers, brochures, books, magazines, etc. it economically produces large quantities of high-quality products.
Digital Printing:
this printing method has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods, but this price is usually offset by avoiding the cost of all the technical steps required to make printing plates. Digital printing allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround and can be printed on a variety of materials: paper, photo paper, canvas, glass, metal, marble, and other substances.
Letterpress Printing:
a process where many copies are produced by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper. Letterpress printing was the normal form of printing text from its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the 19th century and remained in wide use for books and other uses until the second half of the 20th century.
At Nebraska PrintWorks, this is used mainly for consecutive numbering and die cutting.
Thermographic Printing:
This printing process is completed with a three-sectioned conveyor. The first section applies thermographic/embossing powder, made from plastic resins, to the substrate (normally paper). The second section of the process is a vacuum system that removes excess powder from uninked areas of the substrate. The third section of the process conveys the product through a radiant oven where it is exposed to temperatures of 900 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is commonly used on wedding invitations, letterheads, business cards, greeting cards, gift wrap, packaging, etc.
Screen Printing:
It is also known as serigraphy, and serigraph printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi-colored image or design.
The process is used for more than just clothing, it’s also used for decals, clock and watch faces, balloons, and many other products.
