Handbook

Depending on quantity, quality, budget and end-use application, there are many printing methods available for you to message the world.

Offset
The most common and affordable method of printing with economical use of ink and set-up time. Ink is offset from metal plates to a rubber cylinder and then onto the paper.

Web press
An offset method, web press prints on continuous rolls of paper or other substrates. Some web presses can print on both sides of the paper at the same time. Like a very expensive lego set, it can consist of several connected units for printing different colours of ink and doing cutting, folding and punching.

Digital
Digital printing is a newer and very efficient means of printing. This method eliminates the use of film and plate and only involves sending a digital file directly from a computer to the press. Got deadlines? Short run? Go digital.

Letterpress
Kick it old-school with the method developed by Gutenberg in 1440.  The original moveable type. The printed image is slightly raised from the surface of the plate – much like a rubber stamp. Sadly, this is a dying art that fewer and fewer press operators are familiar with.

Screen printing
Not just for T-shirts, screen printing is a process where ink is forced through a silk screen. This is the answer for non-flat items like clothing, mugs, golfballs, etc. but also very good for flat substrates that cannot take ink any other way. This is a popular method for large scale billboards and signage.

Flexo-graphic
Flexography is a printing process used for packaging products. This process uses rubber plates with printed areas raised in relief. The plates are flexible, making printing on many different materials possible, such as plastic bags, bottles, cardboard boxes, etc.