The classification of printing plates is based on their form.
The printing machines are classified into four types - letterpress, lithographic, gravure and stencil printing machines - based on their printing technique. On the other hand, the plates and embossing structures are classified as flat press flat, circular press flat and rotary press circular presses.
(2) The letterpress printing machine is a specialized device that is designed to carry out printing tasks using the letterpress technique. It can be applied to produce various printed materials, including business cards (resin version), type printing, zinc letterpress, as well as sets of numbers, among others.
An offset printing machine is a type of printing equipment that utilizes offset plates to complete the printing process. This category includes a wide range of machines that come in different configurations, such as multi-color, four-color, two-color, single-color, and fast printing machines. Each of these machines has its own unique capabilities and features, allowing print shops to find the perfect equipment suitable for their specific printing needs. Regardless of the model chosen, an offset printing machine offers high-quality output, making it a preferred choice for many printing jobs.
A gravure printing machine is a specialized apparatus that employs gravure as the primary technique for printing. This machinery is commonly used in the production of different types of packaging such as glass bag printing for instant noodles, and aluminum foil bag packaging for biscuits, among others.
A screen printing machine utilizes a screen plate to execute the printing process. This type of printing method is known as stencil printing, and is commonly used for various applications such as circuit board printing, cloth flower printing, can printing, nameplate printing, partial glazing, among others.
2. Classified by printing paper
A sheet-fed printing press is a type of printing press that utilizes a singular sheet of paper at a time for printing purposes.
A printing machine that operates using a web is known as a web printing machine.
3. Classified by printing method
(2) A flat press flat printing machine is a type of printing equipment designed with a flat plate support and imprint surface, allowing for precise and consistent print results. This machine operates by applying pressure evenly across the printing plate, transferring the ink onto the substrate with accuracy and clarity. Whether printing on paper, textiles, or other materials that require a flat printing surface, this type of machine is an ideal choice for many applications.
The platform printing machine, also known as the rotary flat printing machine, has a flat printing plate support body while the impression body is cylindrical.
To cease the operation of a rotary printing machine, the printing plate must move back and forth in sync. As the plate moves forward, the impression cylinder rotates one full cycle. When the plate returns, the cylinder comes to a halt in order to finish the printing process.
A type of printing machine that can complete the entire printing process with just one reciprocation of the plate table and one rotation of the impression cylinder is known as a one-turn printing machine.
The two-rotary printing machine is capable of finishing a printing process with just one reciprocation of the plate table. This type of printing machine is widely used in the manufacturing industry.
A reciprocating printing machine is a type of printing equipment that carries out each printing operation every time the impression cylinder swings back and forth once.
A rotary printing machine is used for printing purposes, and it is characterized by having a cylindrical printing plate support body and a transfer body. The process of printing involves a full rotation of the printing machine until the printing process is completed. This machine is highly efficient and is commonly used in mass printing applications.
Another way to classify printing inks is based on the type of ink used. Here, the ink used for printing is the deciding factor. This classification determines the kind of ink used in producing the print. Various types of ink are used in printing, including solvent-based, water-based, oil-based, and UV-cured inks. Their properties, such as drying time, resistance to fading, and adherence to the substrate, are all different. Hence, the selection of the ink to use depends on the printing job's nature and requirements.
A printer that is capable of printing in only one color and on one side of the paper during the printing process is known as a monochrome printing machine.
A two-color printing machine is a specialized device that is designed to print two different ink colors on a single side of the paper during a single printing process. This machine is used in various industries where professional printing is required, and it helps to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the printing process. With this machine, you can easily get high-quality printing results with two different colors of ink on a single side of the paper.
A multi-color printing machine is a type of printing device that can print more than two different ink colors on a single side of paper during a single printing process.
A monochrome printing machine that is capable of printing on both sides of a paper in a single printing session.
A multi-color printing machine that can print on both sides of the paper is referred to as a double-sided printing machine. It is capable of producing prints that feature two or more ink colors on at least one side of the paper during the printing process.