1. Screen Printing
In simple terms, screen printing is a printing technique that uses a screen stencil. This stencil is used to define the print image, and then a squeegee is used to evenly spread ink onto the surface through the screen.
The name "screen printing" originally referred to the use of silk threads to separate the ink and the material to be printed on. In later years, other materials like fabric, cotton, and metal mesh were used, but the name "screen printing" remained.
Advantages:
- Low printing costs as the process is quick and doesn't require heavy investment in modern machinery.
- Easily print images on various materials with good quality and clarity without color bleeding.
- Wide range of color options, allowing customization.
Disadvantages:
- Each color requires a separate screen, which can be time-consuming.
- Small print runs can be costly if multiple colors are required.
- The print image can break or blur if the ink quality is not up to standard.
- Difficult to clean if the ink smudges or runs.
- Each print job requires a silkscreen, so having design files and vector files ready is time-consuming.
- Most screen-printed products are single-color as complex images are challenging to achieve.
2. Offset printing
Offset printing is a method that uses pressure to transfer images from printing plates (rubber plates used in printing) onto paper. The plates are pressed onto the inked images beforehand. Offset printing helps prevent paper from getting wet due to ink, ensuring the best print quality.
Advantages:
- This technique produces high-quality, sharp images with beautiful colors that are less likely to blur during printing.
- Preparing printing plates is easier.
- Offset printing can be used on various materials.
- Suitable for both flat and textured surfaces.
- Printing plates have a longer lifespan.
Disadvantages:
- The preparation time for offset printing is quite long (due to plate making), so it's not suitable for small quantities with immediate delivery.
- The design file needs thorough checking before printing because offset printing is often used for large quantity orders. Mistakes can lead to significant waste and delays.
- Plate preparation time and cost are relatively high compared to other printing methods, so for small print runs, digital printing is preferable.
3. Gravure printing
Gravure printing is a technique that uses a copper-plated roller with a thickness of about 100 microns. Elements like images and text are deeply engraved beneath the surface of the copper roller. Unprinted elements remain on the roller's surface.
Copperplate printing is commonly used to print rolls for various products, such as logos and labels on paper, plastic, or metal materials.
Advantages:
- High precision.
- Ability to reproduce high-quality images.
- Durable copper rollers can be reused.
- Fast printing speed, reaching 200m per minute.
Disadvantages:
- Copperplate printing is suitable for large orders. When printing small quantities with copper rollers, it incurs high costs and fuel and ink wastage.
- This technique is not suitable for all materials. It works best with thin materials and various types of packaging.
4. Trang Tin Company's Gravure Printing Technology:
Our company proudly possesses the most advanced copperplate printing technology in Vietnam. We have four automatic machines, including two 8-color machines and two 10-color machines (the most advanced to date). These machines incorporate German and Japanese technologies. All our machines are imported with high quality and meet strict technical standards in the industry. Furthermore, we have a professional and experienced machine operation team to ensure color quality and production efficiency.
