Design and Technology – Materials processing in industry | e-Consult

Offset Lithography: This is a commonly used printing method based on the principle of 'like dissolves like'. An image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the substrate.

Advantages: High print quality, suitable for large print runs, cost-effective for many applications.

Disadvantages: Requires specialized equipment, setup can be time-consuming, not ideal for very short print runs.

Common Application: Book printing, magazines, newspapers, brochures.

Flexography: This is a relief printing process where flexible relief plates are used. Ink is applied to the raised image on the plate and then transferred to the substrate.

Advantages: Can print on a wide variety of substrates (e.g., flexible plastics, paper, foil), high speed printing, relatively low cost for large runs.

Disadvantages: Print quality may not be as high as offset lithography, registration can be challenging.

Common Application: Packaging (e.g., food packaging, labels), newspapers, wallpaper.