Litho Printing Vs Screen Printing

Litho printing offers you high definition, high speed printing.  This method is better for paper products which include photographs or complex graphics. Screen printing only applies one colour at a time so it is better sutied to more simplistic designs. This process uses highly durable inks and can print onto many different materials including plastic and metal.  Both of these printing methods are better suited to larger scale print runs due to the set up process involved.
 

The actual printing processes involved in both of these printing methods also differ quite considerable. Lithograph printing is described as an "offset" printing technique because contrary to screen printing the Ink is not applied directly from the printing plate. In this print method ink is applied to the printing plate and then transferred (offset) to the substrate. Screen printing is a traditional method that is based on the technique of stencilling. A fine mesh is used as the stencil, the ink is then forced through the unblocked areas of the mesh and onto the printing surface.  Screen printing only prints one colour at a time, so several screens are required to produce a multicoloured design, but it can use very specialist inks to create innovative print finishes such as Spot UV, Rub Remove (scratch cards) & Scratch & Sniff. 

So if your printing 1000 brochures which include a specific pantone colour you will be best with litho printing, but if you need 1000 safety labels that will need to be used in harsh environments then you will want them screen printed.

COMPARISON - Litho Printing & Screen Printing
 

Talk to us to find out which printing method is best suited to your job 01332 662026