What are the different types of printing presses?

Printing press is a device in which inked surface prints a desired content on a paper or cloth. Johannes Gutenberg invented printing press for printing purposes. Currently there are many types of printing press which are being used for printing. These are listed below.

• Offset lithography
• Flexography
• Digital printing
• Gravure
• Screen printing

Offset Lithography:

This type of printer includes an aluminium plate having the image of the content that is to be printed. The portion of the plate having the image holds the ink. The image is then sent to a rubber blanket and then to the medium on which printing is to be done like paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. Offset lithography is mostly used in printing books, newspapers, posters, etc.

Flexography:

In this type of printer, a printing plate made up of rubber is there. The image of the content is passed on to the surface on which it is to be printed. The printing can be done on paper, cellophane, plastic, etc.

Digital Printing:

This is of two types namely Inkjet and Xerography.

• Inkjet – In this printer, the image of the content is created by ink droplets. The surfaces on which inkjet printer can be used include paper, plastic, tiles, doors, and others. Small publications like photo book can use such type of printer.

• Xerography – This type of printers include laser printer in which the image of the content is placed on a drum and toner particles are transferred to paper or other printing surface. Laser printer can be used for printing books, brochures, and many other documents.

Gravure:

In this type of printer, the image of the content is engraved on a printing cylinder, which is linked to the printing surface like paper. This type of printing press is used for printing newspapers, magazines, etc.

Screen Printing:

In this type of printer, there is a screen with woven fabric in which certain areas have non-permeable material coating. Ink can be transferred to the areas free from this coating. This type of printing can be used on papers, textiles, glass, etc.