Industrial Printing Machine: Definition and Types

Industrial printing equipment is crucial in various industries, facilitating efficient and high-quality printing processes. However, industrial printing machine consists of different types according to specific needs.

Therefore, choosing the most suitable printing machine for your industry requires careful consideration of several factors. This article will explore the different types of printing equipment and their applications.

Offset Printing Presses

Offset printing, or offset lithography, is a popular method that transfers an image from a plate to a rubber blanket onto the substrate. Specifically, this industrial printing equipment is utilized in various paper-based properties, including:

• Publishing, such as magazines, newspapers, and books.
• Packaging, such as folding cartons and labels.
• Marketing and promotional materials like brochures, flyers, and posters.

Offset printing equipment comprises various components that facilitate the printing process. These components include:

1. Printers

The printers utilize ink and water to transfer images onto printing plates and the substrate.

2. Scanners

They are used to digitize images, photographs, or artwork that need to be reproduced through offset printing.

3. Folding Machines

Automated machines that fold printed materials, such as brochures, leaflets, or newsletters, to the desired size and format.

4. Joggers

Devices that vibrate or shake printed materials, aligning them into neat stacks for further processing or finishing.

5. Binding Equipment

They are machines used for various binding methods, such as saddle stitching, perfect binding, or coil binding, to create finished products like books or catalogs.

Flexographic Printing Machines

Flexographic printing equipment utilizes rubber cylinders as a vital component of the printing process. This versatile industrial printing machine can print on various substrates by transferring ink from relief plates onto the printing substrate using rubber cylinders. Examples of usage include:

• Packaging materials like folding cartons, corrugated boxes, plastic bags, etc.
• Label and tag production.
• Flexible packaging, such as snack packaging, pouches, and stand-up bags.

Specifically, flexographic printing equipment includes several essential components and machines, which are:

• Viscosity Control Systems

These systems ensure ink viscosity remains consistent during printing. They control ink flow and thickness to ensure precise and consistent ink transfer onto the substrate.

• Chamber Doctor Blades

They control the amount of ink that passes through the screen during printing. They ensure precise ink metering and help maintain clean, sharp prints.

• Ink Pumps

Ink pumps deliver ink from the reservoir to the printing station. They ensure consistent printing by providing a continuous ink flow, preventing interruptions.

• Video Systems

They are used for print inspection and quality control by capturing and displaying live images of printed material.

• Stroboscopes

They are used to visually freeze-frame the printing process for inspection to adjust for optimal print quality.

• Slitting and Rewinding Machines

After printing, these machines cut the printed material into the desired widths and wind it into rolls, ensuring efficient and precise finishing.

Digital Printing Systems

The following widely used industrial printing machine is the digital printing system. It uses digital files to transfer images or text directly onto the printing substrate, eliminating the need for traditional printing plates. This system is ideal for various applications, such as:

• Office printing (desktop printing)
• Commercial and stationery items
• Packaging and label printing
• Personalized printing
• Variable data printing for mass customization

As a digitalized industrial printing machine, digital printing systems include the following key components:

• Variable Imaging Digital Presses (Computer-to-Paper)

Utilize digital files to directly transfer the image onto the printing substrate, allowing for on-demand printing, variable data printing, and personalized print material.

• Digital Desktop Printers

Compact and user-friendly digital desktop printers are designed for small-scale printing needs for documents, flyers, etc.

• Digital Copiers

These are multifunction devices that combine copying, scanning, and printing capabilities. They are commonly used in offices to reproduce documents.

• Direct Imaging Presses (Computer-to-Plate-on-Press)

Enable computer-to-plate printing, where the digital file is directly transferred onto the printing plate on the press.

Screen Printing Machines

Screen printing equipment transfers images onto mesh screens using stencils or blocking material to block out areas selectively. The mesh screen enables the ink to flow through unblocked areas onto the printing substrate, forming the desired image. Some uses include:

• Textiles and apparel, like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other garments.
• Signage and graphics, such as posters, banners, etc.
• Packaging and labeling, including boxes, bags, and labels.
• Specialized printing like circuit boards, electronic displays, automotive parts, etc.

As an industrial printing machine, screen printing equipment consists of the following essential components:

1. Racks

They are used for storing and organizing screens. They provide a convenient and efficient way to keep screens safely stored and easily accessible for future use.

2. Stretchers

Stretchers are frames used to secure mesh screens tightly. They ensure proper tension, which is crucial for accurate and consistent ink transfer in printing.

3. Transfer Presses

Also called heat presses, they are utilized in screen printing to apply heat and pressure for curing or setting ink on the substrate.

4. Dip Tanks

They are containers filled with cleaning solutions for screen cleaning and reclaiming. Screens are immersed in dip tanks to eliminate ink, emulsion, and debris, preparing them for reuse.

5. Dryers

They facilitate controlled heat and airflow to accelerate drying and prepare prints for subsequent handling or finishing.

Inkjet Printing Systems

The industrial printing machine utilizes tiny ink droplets to create images or text on a substrate. The ink formulations and droplet placement enhance print clarity and accuracy, making it suitable for various applications, including:

• Office printing for everyday printing needs
• Photography and fine art
• Packaging and labeling on a variety of substrates
• Textile printing, allowing for direct-to-garment printing, fabric signage, and custom textile applications

With its various usage and flexibility, inkjet printing systems consist of several vital components, including:

• Printhead

The core component contains a series of microscopic nozzles responsible for ejecting the ink droplets onto the substrate.

• Ink Reservoir

It holds the ink supply for the printing process. It also ensures a continuous ink flow to the printhead for consistent printing.

• Stepper Motor

A component that controls the movement of the printhead, allowing precise positioning and accurate droplet placement onto the substrate.

• Belt

The belt is a part of the system that connects the stepper motor and the printhead. It facilitates the smooth and controlled movement of the printhead during the printing process.

• Stabilizer Bar

It helps maintain stability and balance during printing by supporting the printhead assembly, ensuring accurate and reliable print results.

Read About: Compare Thermal Inkjet Printer vs Thermal Transfer Overprinter

Each type of industrial printing machine consists of essential components that work together to ensure optimal printing results. You can choose the best tool based on your needs by considering how it works.