Printing processes

Offset printing, gravure printing, flexo printing, screen printing, bronzing, digital printing

The invention of the book printing process by Johannes Gutenberg in the middle of the 15th century is considered the birth of modern printing technology. Bronzing is also a historical printing process. The “four classical printing processes” (DIN 16500) are letterpress printing (book printing, flexo printing), flat printing (offset, lithography), gravure printing (rotogravure) and screen printing (screen and silkscreen).

Recently, the use of digital printing processes has become more frequent in the printing industry. SCHLENK aluminium and gold bronze pigments are used worldwide in all common printing processes.

Offset printing

Offset printing is one of the most frequently used printing processes. In both sheet fed and web offset printing, high quality metallic effect inks (for gold and silver effects and metallic appearance) can be used to enhance packaging materials, advertising graphics, catalogs, posters, etc.

Product information Offset printing

Gravure printing

Both the gravure and flexo printing processes utilize low viscosity "liquid inks". The flexibility of this ink technology allows these print processes to cover a wide spectrum of applications for packaging materials (for food, tobacco products, cosmetics) on a variety of substrates (paper, cardboard, plastic, foils, labels and more).

Product information Gravure printing

Screen printing

The technology associated with the screen printing process opens up a wide spectrum of application possibilities ranging from classic textile printing to high end applications. One example is the in-mold process, which is used for coating mobile telephones, among other applications.

Product information Screen printing

Flexo printing

Both the gravure and flexo printing processes utilize low viscosity "liquid inks". The flexibility of this ink technology allows these print processes to cover a wide spectrum of applications for packaging materials (for food, tobacco products, cosmetics) on a variety of substrates (paper, cardboard, plastic, foils, labels and more).

Product information Flexo printing

Digital printing

Digital printing is highly diversified and includes not only ink-jet processes, but also xerography, electrostatic offset printing, etc. There are not yet any standardized ink systems for these processes; the selection of suitable pigments depends strongly on the technological application. As a cooperative partner, SCHLENK offer customized solutions.

Product information Digital printing

Bronzing process

Bronzing is among the oldest print finishing processes and the achieved surface effect is still unique.

Product information Bronzing process