Printing and imaging technology has evolved from woodcut printing to 3D printing technologies. Today, printing and imaging are an essential part of everyday life in one way or the other.
Imaging refers to the visual reproduction or representation of an object. The term refers to image processing, storage, compression, printing and display.
We take you back on a journey to the transformative moments in the printing and imaging market.
Offset Printing
This printing technique dates back 150 years but continues to be relevant even in this age and time.
Offset printing transfers an image from aluminum plates onto a rubber blanket to roll the image onto a printing surface. The color accuracy of this method revolutionized the imaging industry.
Screen Printing
China pioneered screen printing during Song Dynasty, but it reached Europe around the 1910s. This method is also called silkscreen printing or serigraphy.
A mesh screen was used to transfer ink onto the printing surface. Screen printing involved paper and fabric surfaces in creating artwork, bold canvases and posters.
Screen printing became a popular imaging method due to vivid colors and the ability to replicate designs to create multiple copies.
Inkjet Printing
During the 1950s, inkjet printing gained momentum to expedite imaging evolution. The concept recreated digital imaging using ink droplets onto plastic substrates and paper.
Today, inkjet printers are one of the most preferred printers ranging from professional to inexpensive devices.
These printers transformed the imaging industry with their printing quality. The fine details, higher resolution, reduced printing cost and warm-up time caught everyone’s attention.
Digital Printing
Fast forward to 1980, the first digital print was invented on watercolor paper. The imaging industry has improved impressively, thanks to digital technologies since then.
Digital printing and imaging involve visuals on various media devices. These imaging technologies don’t require a printing plate compared to offset printing.
Digital printing has multifunctional applications, including commercial, print-on-demand, and advertising to desktop publishing.
Laser Printing
The printing and imaging industry didn’t stop at digital visuals. The laser technology further improved the results using an electrostatic digital imaging process.
Xerox PARC invented this technique in the 1970s. Many renowned brands manufacture laser printers today, including Canon, IBM, Xerox and Apple.
Laser printing uses a laser beam to produce graphics and text by passing the beam repetitively through an object.
3D Printing
The current state of the printing and imaging industry has come a long way due to 3D printing technologies. It’s the present and future of digital imaging. Moreover, unlike other printing techniques, 3D printing is efficient and sustainable.
More industries have adopted 3D printing and imaging to improve prototyping, prints and day-to-day office work.
Get Imaging and Printer Service in Colorado Springs
Printing and imaging are integral for external and internal business purposes. You can Choose Colorado Spring’s color copier systems to streamline your business operations. At Axis Business Technologies, we offer copier and printer services to small and medium enterprises as well as large corporations.
We carry various printer brands, including HP laser printers, Konica Minolta laser printers, and Xerox ad Kyocera color laser printers. Our team will talk you through the process so you can choose the right printer for your business needs. We also offer lease and rent options. Request a free quote today!
