There are quite a few types of printing that can be used when creating magazines, invitations, flyers, and other materials. The process used depends upon what is being produced and the desired look of the final project. Types utilized include engraving, digital, letterpress, screen, gravure, and also offset printing.

Letterpress is a similar process to the original, which was invented by Gutenberg in the 1400s. It is quite a rare process and only a few printers offer fine letterpress printing. It is also called \’relief\’, as the letters or printed design is slightly higher than the surface. The original form used movable type, modern commercial letterpress uses plates.

Gutenberg developed his process over many years and often under duress. It was one of the turning points in history in regards to the spread of information and literacy. The most commonly known of Gutenberg\’s works are the Bible and some scholarly texts.

Engraving is the process whereby a design is incised into paper. This is most commonly done on bank notes due to the fact that engraving is almost impossible to duplicate. This process produces a very defined image that feels indented. High-end professionals, such as lawyers, for stationary and other documents, also use it.

Digital is one of the newest technologies; it offers fast turn around time and is often the cheapest route for individuals and businesses that only need a small number of copies. It is also used for large items such as banners and posters. The amount of colors available is sometimes limited, but this is changing as technology changes.

Flexography is an updated type of letterpress, but utilizes a flexible plate. This is often used for printing on food packaging. The flexible plate allows for printing on a myriad of surfaces including cellophane and metallic film.

Screen-printing is familiar to most people as something you might use on a t-shirt. However, it is also used for bumper stickers, billboards, and binders. Ink is forced through a screen following the stencil pattern selected. It offers vivid, long lasting colors.

Gravure utilizes a rotary press. The image is engraved onto a cylinder, which is then used with ink to print on paper. This process is often used for magazines, newspapers, and direct mail-anything, which may need millions of copies.

Offset is the most common type, and has been so since the 1950s. Almost all commercial printers offer this type. Commonly, is uses photographic techniques to transfer images onto paper. This is often used for large quantities of images. It is cheaper than digital when thousands or millions of copies are needed.

Offset is commonly referred to as lithography. It can be used on single sheets of paper or on rolls of paper called \’webs\’. It easily creates copies of consistent quality on a large scale.

It is important to enlist a printing company that utilizes the right process for the project at hand. This can depend largely on quality needed, amount of copies desired, and whether special items are wanted, such as metallic inks or engraving on an invitation. Just a few phone calls or an Internet search will produce a plethora of printers to choose from, making the process just a matter of narrowing down to the best company for the job.

For printing services such as business cards Toronto or printing Vancouver visit TPH The Printing House Limited.

For printing services Toronto such as digital printing or direct mail, visit TPH The Printing House Limited 595 Bay Street, Atrium On Bay, Toronto, ON M5G 2C2 (416) 585-9341.
http://www.tph.ca/

Author Bio: For printing services such as business cards Toronto or printing Vancouver visit TPH The Printing House Limited.

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