Did you know that Litho printing has been in existents for over 200 years? Litho printing, in general, provides a great balance between quality, quantity and cost. Here are some interesting historic facts on lithography and the benefits of using litho printing for your printing projects and needs.
The history of Litho printing
Lithography was invented in 1796 by a Bavarian author called Alois Senefelder. It remains the most popular choice for printing high quality images on flat, smooth surfaces ranging from paper to cloth and even metals.
Lithography or litho printing is a relatively young form of printing as compared to screen printing and others. Little did Alois Senefelder know what he was really discovering when he patented the lithographic printing process in 1799. Senefelder’s discovery changed the face of the printing industry.
It was only around the mid 1800’s that Litho colour printing was discovered and the art of litho printing became even more popular towards the late eighteenth century when the first rotary lithographic press was invented. This allowed for the mass production of prints similar to that of letterpress printing but unfortunately the abrasive action of the rotary machine made the images on the stone plates wear off too soon and the rotary lithographic presses never really became popular.
Lithography is also known as offset printing litho printing
Lithography or better known as offset printing litho printing, works on the basic principle that oil and water repel each other. An inked image is transferred from a photographic plate to a rubber blanket and then to a paper stock for the final print. The image is not printed directly onto the paper, but rather offset to other surfaces which make contact with the paper or other material that is being printed on.
The benefits of litho printing
Litho printing provides excellent image quality:
Litho printing provides excellent image quality at relatively low costs compared to other print methods like gravure which can sometimes cost up to 10 times more.
Litho printing is cost effective:
Lithography provides exceptional value in the case of large volume printing. This together with its great image quality is the principal reason why it is the preferred method for magazine, newspaper, textbook, postcard and stationery printing.
The printing flexibility of litho printing:
The biggest advantage of litho printing is that it can print on a variety of surfaces not limited to paper. As long as it is a smooth and practical surface, images can be printed on it by means of lithography.
Knysna Press, the answer to all your printing needs!
The benefits of litho printing are plain and simple to see. If you plan on doing high quality printing in large volume, litho printing will be your best and most cost effective option. Feel free to contact us for more information on any for your printing projects or needs!