This method is used for etching, dry point, and gravure printing for magazines, brochures or other applications where beautiful photos with superior resolution are desired. Water is applied to areas which are not to be printed to prevent the uptake of oil-based ink by the master, resulting in the creation of an image. This method is used in offset printing, which is the most widely used in the industry. First, water is applied to the portions of the master that represent areas which will not be printed. Ink is then applied with a roller, but the ink can only adhere to those dry portions of the master representing areas to be printed.
Screen printing The master is perforated with a pattern of holes.
Ink is applied from the top, and flows through the holes to the paper below, transferring the image to the paper. This is the method used by mimeograph machines and other types of screen printing devices. Materials such as nylon and stainless steel are used to create the master 'screen' which makes direct contact to the paper each time a copy is made. This method is also used in Ricoh's Priport digital printing machine. All Rights Reserved.