Printing technology is one of the key links in the field of information communication, and its continuous development and innovation provide efficient and accurate printing solutions for all walks of life. In the wide application of printing, direct printing and indirect printing are two common printing methods, and there are obvious differences in their processes and applications. This article will delve into the difference between direct printing and indirect printing to help readers better understand these two printing methods.
Direct printing is a type of printing in which an image or text is transferred directly onto a printed material. Its main feature is that the printing plate is in direct contact with the printed material, without the need for intermediate media. This printing method mainly includes letterpress printing, gravure printing, lamp brush printing, etc.
Letterpress printing is a form of direct printing that achieves ink transfer by coating the raised part of an image or text with ink, and then contacting the printed material with the printing plate. Letterpress printing is often used to print small prints such as business cards and greeting cards.
Gravure printing, as opposed to letterpress printing, allows the ink to be delivered to the printed material by filling the incave part of the image or text and then contacting the printed material with the printing plate. Gravure printing is usually used for high-quality prints, such as packaging boxes, labels, etc.
The advantage of direct printing is that it is faster and less expensive, making it suitable for high-volume production. However, it has the disadvantage that the quality of the printed matter is relatively low, making it unsuitable for demanding printed matter.
Indirect printing is a type of printing that delivers images or words onto printed materials through a printed plate. Its main feature is that there is an intermediate medium between the printed plate and the printed material, usually a blanket or embossed plate. This printing method mainly includes lithography, flexographic printing, etc.
Lithography is a form of indirect printing that absorbs ink through the image or text part on a flat printing plate, and then touches the printed material with the printing plate, passing the image or text to the printed material. Lithography is often used to print large quantities of printed matter such as newspapers and magazines.
Flexographic printing uses a soft printing plate, usually made of rubber or plastic. It achieves printing by passing ink to the image or text part on the printing plate, and then contacting the printed material with the printing plate. Flexographic printing is suitable for printing a variety of flexible materials, such as paper, plastic film, etc.
The advantage of indirect printing is that the printed matter is of high quality, which is suitable for occasions with high requirements for printing quality. However, due to the complexity of the printing process, the printing speed is slower and the cost is relatively high.
Direct printing: The printed plate is in direct contact with the printed material.
Indirect printing: There is an intermediate medium between the printed plate and the printed material.
Direct printing: suitable for mass production, fast speed and low cost.
Indirect printing: It is suitable for occasions with high requirements for printing quality, with higher quality, but slower speed and higher cost.
Direct printing: Generally lower quality.
Indirect printing: relatively high quality.
Direct printing: suitable for some high-volume prints that are not very demanding.
Indirect printing: It is suitable for printed matter with high requirements for printing quality, such as books, albums, etc.
Direct printing and indirect printing are two important methods in the field of printing technology, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different printing needs. When choosing a printing method, it is necessary to consider various factors according to the specific printing task and requirements to ensure the best printing results. By gaining an in-depth understanding of the difference between direct and indirect printing, we can make better use of these two printing methods to provide efficient and high-quality printing services for different industries. Printing manufacturers