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This article discusses the commonly used types of printing and their characteristics. There are numerous printing methods, which can be categorized based on different criteria such as the type of printing plate, printing principle, number of printing colors, and intended use. Below, we will classify these methods into four aspects: printing plate type, printing principle, color count, and application.
### Section A. Classification Based on Printing Plate Type
According to the type of printing plate, common printing methods can be divided into four categories: relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography, and stencil printing:
1. **Relief Printing**: This method uses a raised plate (where the graphic portion is elevated) for printing. It is also referred to as letterpress. The printing principle is similar to that of a seal. Early block printing, movable type printing, and later rotary printing all fall under this category.
2. **Intaglio Printing**: This method involves transferring ink from recessed areas of the plate directly onto the substrate. It is commonly used for printing banknotes, stamps, and other securities.
3. **Lithography**: This is an indirect printing method where the graphic and non-graphic portions of the plate are almost in the same plane. It utilizes the principle of oil-water repellency for printing.
4. **Stencil Printing**: Also known as screen printing, this method uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto the substrate. It is widely used for creating artistic prints, packaging materials, and industrial supplies.
### Section B. Classification Based on Printing Principle
According to the principle of producing printed matter, printing can be divided into two categories: physical printing and chemical printing:
1. **Physical Printing**: In this method, the ink in the printing area is entirely transferred through mechanical action. The non-printing area is either concave or raised and does not come into contact with the ink, leaving it blank. Examples include relief printing, intaglio printing, stencil printing, and dry offset printing.
2. **Chemical Printing**: This method involves continuously applying water-absorbing and ink-repellent films to the non-printing areas during the printing process. Offset printing is an example of this, where a viscous layer containing carboxyl groups is applied to the plate's non-printing areas to prevent grease contamination.
### Section C. Classification Based on Printing Color Count
Based on the number of colors used in printing, the following distinctions can be made:
1. **Monochrome Printing**: This refers to printing using a single color, which is not limited to black. Any single-color output falls under this category.
2. **Multicolor Printing**: This category includes three subtypes: additive color method, cross-color method, and compound color method.
3. **Color Printing**: This refers to multi-color printing, where most color prints are produced using the compound color method. A small number of prints may use the additive or cross-color methods.
4. **Four-Color Printing**: This generally refers to the process of reproducing color originals using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. The subtractive color method is employed, resulting in higher brightness and lower saturation in the printed colors.
### Section D. Classification Based on Printing Use
Based on the intended use of the printed material, printing can be classified into the following categories:
1. **Book Printing**: Traditionally, relief printing was used, but it has gradually shifted to lithography due to its superior quality and versatility.
2. **News Printing**: Historically, rotary relief printing was used because of its fast speed and high volume. To meet modern color requirements, lithography or photogravure rotary printing is now commonly used.
3. **Advertising Printing**: This includes color pictures, posters, and billboards. Lithography is predominantly used, though relief, intaglio, or stencil printing may also be employed depending on the specific needs.
4. **Packaging Printing**: This category includes items such as candy wrappers, snack packaging, cartons, and decorative wallpapers. Photogravure printing is widely used for its high-quality output.
5. **Special Printing**: This involves specialized processes or materials, such as bottle printing, bronzing, embossing, hose printing, and labeling.
