Printing is a process in which images are reproduced on a surface using ink. There are several methods of printing, including screen printing, offset printing, and collotype printing. All of them use ink and paper to create an image, and the process has evolved to be more environmentally friendly and affordable. Today, printing is an essential part of almost every industry.
Many different things are printed, from T-shirts to computer stickers. You’ve probably noticed that posters are printed on walls. But did you know that you’ve also seen printed books? In fact, printing was around long before the Internet became a common source of information. For example, in the 15th century, printing became a huge business. Before that, books were copied one by one. Even though newspapers and magazines are moving online, books still remain vital.
The process of printing dates back to ancient China. Early woodblock printing was used in China for reproducing images and text. In East Asia, this method was mostly used for textiles, but was later used for paper as well. Examples of woodblock printing are found in China and East Asia, dating back to before 220 A.D.
Printing processes can vary in cost. Printing costs depend on the size of the printed product. Larger sizes require more plates than smaller ones. For instance, a large logo may require several plates to produce the same image.