The Different Processes Of Printing
Offset Lithography is still the current most popular way to print. This method uses ink economically with a limited set up time. If you need only black ink or one or two ink colors, offset printing may offer a more cost-effective solution. Planning to print using the Pantone® Matching System, the offset will give you the best match because it uses actual Pantone® ink. The ink is offset from the metal plates and is transferred to a rubber cylinder onto the paper. It has excellent image quality. This high volume styles most economical range for printing something offset is greater than 500 to 1,000 pieces.
Thermography is a process producing a raised image. A special powder is used that adheres to wet ink. Heat is applied, which fuses the powder and ink to form a raised image. This method is still very popular for business cards and stationery. Not good for photos.
Digital printing is an extremely effective form of printing. Digital presses use four-color process printing and eliminates film and plates, and sends your job file directly from a computer to the press. Digital simulates the color using a four-color matching process, so color may be less accurate on some digital printers. Digital printing is relatively fast compared to other methods with great versatility. Since there is no plates or film each copy could have changes or personalization. The most economical range for printing something digital is less than 500 to 1,000 pieces. When you exceed this quantity of copies it is usually more economical to print your job as Offset Litho.
Electrostatic printing is similar to photocopying where color is applied to a drum and is then heat fused to the paper. Electrostatic printing is similar to digital printing and effective for short printing runs. Your laser printer would be an example of this type of printing.
Flat printing refers to the result not the style of printing. Best know when talking about Business cards or office stationary. The image is not raised like thermography but could be produced either through Digital or Electrostatic printing. Good when close or small printing on card as thermography tends to fill in small letters.
Reprographics is a general term which includes copying and duplicating service. This is usually done on high speed copiers. When done well it is hardly distinguished from laser printing. Most, if not all, copy shop companies offer a reprographics service where they can take your original file or document and make duplicates of them.
Thermography is a process producing a raised image. A special powder is used that adheres to wet ink. Heat is applied, which fuses the powder and ink to form a raised image. This method is still very popular for business cards and stationery. Not good for photos.
Digital printing is an extremely effective form of printing. Digital presses use four-color process printing and eliminates film and plates, and sends your job file directly from a computer to the press. Digital simulates the color using a four-color matching process, so color may be less accurate on some digital printers. Digital printing is relatively fast compared to other methods with great versatility. Since there is no plates or film each copy could have changes or personalization. The most economical range for printing something digital is less than 500 to 1,000 pieces. When you exceed this quantity of copies it is usually more economical to print your job as Offset Litho.
Electrostatic printing is similar to photocopying where color is applied to a drum and is then heat fused to the paper. Electrostatic printing is similar to digital printing and effective for short printing runs. Your laser printer would be an example of this type of printing.
Flat printing refers to the result not the style of printing. Best know when talking about Business cards or office stationary. The image is not raised like thermography but could be produced either through Digital or Electrostatic printing. Good when close or small printing on card as thermography tends to fill in small letters.
Reprographics is a general term which includes copying and duplicating service. This is usually done on high speed copiers. When done well it is hardly distinguished from laser printing. Most, if not all, copy shop companies offer a reprographics service where they can take your original file or document and make duplicates of them.
What is Over/Under Runs
If you have ever ordered a continuous form you probably have experienced either a over or under run. The term is exactly as you would assume. When printing is produced at a plant, jobs are run in sequence according to size, colors, and number of impressions on the plate being printed. One job after another is produced from large rolls of stock especially on Offset Lithograph. Continuous forms number of impressions are not as exact as Digital, Electrostatic, or Flat printing methods. These processes have less over/under runs. Should the job get printed at the end of the roll, there may not be enough paper left to finish the job.or some gets lost when collating multiple parts together. The Uniform Manufacturing Code (UMC) which is the industry accepted standard since the early 1950's is to ship a printed job as complete with up to 10% over or under the amount ordered. If the quantity is more than a 10% under run then the plant prints the remainder on the next roll. Thus a job calling for 1,000 quantity, depending on where it was on the press could have any number between 900 and 1,100 quantity. There is no price penalty if less. All quantities are billed at the per thousand price quoted.
Exact Quantities and No missing Numbers
Under the UMC all plants charge if exact quantities are demanded or no missing numbers are allowed. 10% is what most charge. 5% each for no over or under run. 10% for guaranteeing no missing numbers. The same rule also applies for missing numbers. If there is any missing numbers due to equipment malfunction a list is provided on the bill of lading. Missing numbers are rare because of greatly improved printing processes. Most customers do not require exact quantities unless the form printed has a special use. Most prefer to just order a little sooner next time should quantity come in lower.