Evolution in Printing Technology: History, Types and Effects on Businesses

Old printing machine in a factory in retro colors. The Evolution and History of Printing - Print BIG Miami

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Evolution in Printing Technology: History, Types and Effects on Businesses

Old printing machine in a factory in retro colors. The Evolution and History of Printing - Print BIG Miami

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Old printing machine in a factory in retro colors. The Evolution and History of Printing - Print BIG Miami

Evolution in Printing Technology: History, Types and Effects on Businesses

It’s amazing that you are sitting in front of your computer reading these words right now. If you go back to the 15th century, it would have been equally amazing to read them in a book. That was the time when printing technology came into existence and the invention of the modern printing press made it easy to print and reproduce books in their hundreds and thousands of copies instead of being copied out by hand one at a time. Even though there has been a great shift in newspapers, magazines, and books to online portals, printing is just as essential as it’s ever been.

Many take printed materials for granted; however, imagine how life would be today if the printing press, magazines or newspapers and other printed materials did not exist.  It was the invention of the printing press that allowed us to share large amounts of information in minimal time. In fact, the printing press is known as one of the most significant inventions of human civilization. 

Life before the Printing Press

Before the printing press came into existence, all the writings and drawings were completed painstakingly by hand. Different materials were used to transcribe books, for instance papyrus, wax, clay and parchment. This task was not assigned to just anyone, but rather was done only by people who lived in monasteries. 

History and Invention of the Printing Press

In the 15th century, a German named Johann Gutenberg was desperate to make money. At that time, people had just discovered a very basic form of printing that involved letters or images carved on blocks of wood. The blocks were further dipped into the ink and then stamped onto paper to move everything written on wood to the paper.

Gutenberg had previous experience working in a mint; hence he discovered a plan to make the printing process faster. He realized that if he could use the cut blocks in a machine, the printing could become easier. Moreover, he would even be able to reproduce texts in great numbers in very little time. 

Gutenberg’s Movable Printing Press

Gutenberg used metal blocks instead of the wood. This was the movable type of machine, since the metal block letters could be moved easily to create new letters, words and sentences. Using this machine, Gutenberg made the first printed book, which was a reproduction of the Bible. Today, the Gutenberg Bible is a treasured and valuable item in history.

Types of Printing Methods Available Today

With an immense evolution in printing technology, people are adopting various new techniques every day to make the most out of this service. Every new type suits a different need, which means businesses can choose a printing technique that best highlights their products or services. Here’s the list of printing methods available:

Offset Lithography

Used primarily for:

  • Media which is rough surfaced such as wood, canvas and cloth
  • Thanks to its versatility it can also be used for books, stationery etc.

This is a widely employed method of mass media production and is also known as offset printing or litho. It involves aluminum-made printing plates which hold the image of the content that needs to be printed. These plates are further used in rollers to transfer content onto print media. 

Flexography

Used primarily for:

  • Packaging and labels
  • Anything that involves continuous patterns such as gift wraps or wallpapers

This is the current version of letterpress printing and is frequently used for printing on uneven surfaces. Quick drying and semi-liquid inks are the main style of printing for high volume jobs.

Digital Printing

Used primarily for:

  • Signage and Posters
  • Letters, menus, labels and newsletters 

Digital printing is the method presently used everywhere. It has gained so much popularity that everyone today prefers digital printing solutions for everything. They cover a variety of different techniques including inkjet printing and laser. Digital printing has eliminated the need for printing plates used in other types of printing. Instead, it involves sending the images directly to the printer in formats such as PDF, saving money, time and effort.

Large Format Printing

Used primarily for:

  • Large signage boards such as billboards, vinyl banners, and posters
  • Wallpapers and backdrops 
  • Floor graphics
  • Laminating

It’s apparent from the name: large format printing is used to produce maximum roll width. Often employed by businesses who want to leave an everlasting impact on their customers, this service works on a bigger area. 

Screen Printing

Used primarily for:

  • Logos and graphics on clothes
  • Fabric banners
  • Posters

This technique is employed to transfer an image to another material using mesh or fine material. Popularly known for printing graphics onto fabric, it can also be used for paper and metal.

Why are professional printing services essential for your business?

Are you wondering why it’s imperative for your business to invest in professional printing services? Well, the primary reason is to build awareness and enhance your brand.

To build and maintain a prominent brand image, firms heavily rely on printed elements that help to advertise the brand.  A business’s print documents and marketing materials say a lot about its brand. If you want your company’s presentation to be flawless, you need to consider engaging with a printing company near you to handle all of your printing needs. Some of the reasons why you should hire a professional printing firm include, but are not limited to:

Wide range of options 

Professional printing companies offer a wide variety of printing services that can be beneficial to your business.  Creating an effective design on your own can be challenging, which is why hiring an expert is always the better option.

Cost effective

Printing flyers and brochures on your own will add to your marketing expenses and waste a lot of time. To save time, money, effort and ensure it’s done right, use professional printing services.

Quick and efficient 

A professional printing firm will cater to the varied needs of your business. You only have to give your requirements and let the company you hire do the work for you. They offer quick and reliable service well worth your investment.

Modern printing technology has made printing more accessible and affordable than in the past. After embracing the digital age, the industry is touching great heights of success. 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Printing Press

Flatbed Printing Advantages

  Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Subscribe To Our Newsletter Get updates and learn from the

Do You Want To Boost Your Business?

drop us a line and keep in touch

Old printing machine in a factory in retro colors. The Evolution and History of Printing - Print BIG Miami

Evolution in Printing Technology: History, Types and Effects on Businesses

It’s amazing that you are sitting in front of your computer reading these words right now. If you go back to the 15th century, it would have been equally amazing to read them in a book. That was the time when printing technology came into existence and the invention of the modern printing press made it easy to print and reproduce books in their hundreds and thousands of copies instead of being copied out by hand one at a time. Even though there has been a great shift in newspapers, magazines, and books to online portals, printing is just as essential as it’s ever been. Many take printed materials for granted; however, imagine how life would be today if the printing press, magazines or newspapers and other printed materials did not exist.  It was the invention of the printing press that allowed us to share large amounts of information in minimal time. In fact, the printing press is known as one of the most significant inventions of human civilization. 

Life before the Printing Press

Before the printing press came into existence, all the writings and drawings were completed painstakingly by hand. Different materials were used to transcribe books, for instance papyrus, wax, clay and parchment. This task was not assigned to just anyone, but rather was done only by people who lived in monasteries. 

History and Invention of the Printing Press

In the 15th century, a German named Johann Gutenberg was desperate to make money. At that time, people had just discovered a very basic form of printing that involved letters or images carved on blocks of wood. The blocks were further dipped into the ink and then stamped onto paper to move everything written on wood to the paper. Gutenberg had previous experience working in a mint; hence he discovered a plan to make the printing process faster. He realized that if he could use the cut blocks in a machine, the printing could become easier. Moreover, he would even be able to reproduce texts in great numbers in very little time. 

Gutenberg’s Movable Printing Press

Gutenberg used metal blocks instead of the wood. This was the movable type of machine, since the metal block letters could be moved easily to create new letters, words and sentences. Using this machine, Gutenberg made the first printed book, which was a reproduction of the Bible. Today, the Gutenberg Bible is a treasured and valuable item in history.

Types of Printing Methods Available Today

With an immense evolution in printing technology, people are adopting various new techniques every day to make the most out of this service. Every new type suits a different need, which means businesses can choose a printing technique that best highlights their products or services. Here’s the list of printing methods available:

Offset Lithography

Used primarily for:
  • Media which is rough surfaced such as wood, canvas and cloth
  • Thanks to its versatility it can also be used for books, stationery etc.
This is a widely employed method of mass media production and is also known as offset printing or litho. It involves aluminum-made printing plates which hold the image of the content that needs to be printed. These plates are further used in rollers to transfer content onto print media. 

Flexography

Used primarily for:
  • Packaging and labels
  • Anything that involves continuous patterns such as gift wraps or wallpapers
This is the current version of letterpress printing and is frequently used for printing on uneven surfaces. Quick drying and semi-liquid inks are the main style of printing for high volume jobs.

Digital Printing

Used primarily for:
  • Signage and Posters
  • Letters, menus, labels and newsletters 
Digital printing is the method presently used everywhere. It has gained so much popularity that everyone today prefers digital printing solutions for everything. They cover a variety of different techniques including inkjet printing and laser. Digital printing has eliminated the need for printing plates used in other types of printing. Instead, it involves sending the images directly to the printer in formats such as PDF, saving money, time and effort.

Large Format Printing

Used primarily for:
  • Large signage boards such as billboards, vinyl banners, and posters
  • Wallpapers and backdrops 
  • Floor graphics
  • Laminating
It’s apparent from the name: large format printing is used to produce maximum roll width. Often employed by businesses who want to leave an everlasting impact on their customers, this service works on a bigger area. 

Screen Printing

Used primarily for:
  • Logos and graphics on clothes
  • Fabric banners
  • Posters
This technique is employed to transfer an image to another material using mesh or fine material. Popularly known for printing graphics onto fabric, it can also be used for paper and metal.

Why are professional printing services essential for your business?

Are you wondering why it’s imperative for your business to invest in professional printing services? Well, the primary reason is to build awareness and enhance your brand. To build and maintain a prominent brand image, firms heavily rely on printed elements that help to advertise the brand.  A business’s print documents and marketing materials say a lot about its brand. If you want your company’s presentation to be flawless, you need to consider engaging with a printing company near you to handle all of your printing needs. Some of the reasons why you should hire a professional printing firm include, but are not limited to:

Wide range of options 

Professional printing companies offer a wide variety of printing services that can be beneficial to your business.  Creating an effective design on your own can be challenging, which is why hiring an expert is always the better option. Cost effective Printing flyers and brochures on your own will add to your marketing expenses and waste a lot of time. To save time, money, effort and ensure it’s done right, use professional printing services.

Quick and efficient 

A professional printing firm will cater to the varied needs of your business. You only have to give your requirements and let the company you hire do the work for you. They offer quick and reliable service well worth your investment. Modern printing technology has made printing more accessible and affordable than in the past. After embracing the digital age, the industry is touching great heights of success. 
November 14, 2019
Old printing machine in a factory in retro colors. The Evolution and History of Printing - Print BIG Miami

Evolution in Printing Technology: History, Types and Effects on Businesses

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Subscribe To Our Newsletter Get updates and learn from the best […]