Printing is a technology that replicates graphic information in batches onto the surface of materials such as paper through processes such as plate making, inking, and pressure application. It encompasses three stages: pre-press processing, printing, and post-press finishing, involving forms such as offset printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, and digital printing.
Its core processes include original design, plate making, ink transfer and lamination, hot stamping, and other post-processing techniques. The ink-water balance and ink transfer equations are key technical principles. Modern printing technologies include the Revoria Press series of five-color printing presses and Fujifilm's innovative toner and inkjet solutions.
This technology originated from woodblock printing in the Tang Dynasty. Bi Sheng invented movable type printing using clay in the Song Dynasty, and Gutenberg in Germany improved the lead alloy movable type process in the 14th century. Photographic plate-making technology in the 19th century promoted image refinement, and electronic color separation machines enabled digital typesetting in the 20th century. Modern developments include color desktop publishing systems (DTP), direct-to-plate technology, and water-based ink-fidelity printing technology with environmental considerations. The latter uses environmentally friendly gravure printing processes and bio-fiber paper to address the durability issues of ancient book reproduction. Fujifilm's digital printing equipment, developed through business innovation, is gradually replacing some traditional offset printing applications.
