Manual Letterpress | Small-scale printing (business cards, invitations) | Adjustable pressure (500–2000 PSI▲1), Plate size: 8.5×11" (ISO 216), Noise: 43 dBA (quieter than refrigerator hum) | Low cost, high customization, quiet operation | Slow production (1–5 units/min), requires operator skill, limited capacity (<50 units/hour) |
Semi-Automatic Flexographic | Medium-volume jobs (packaging, banners) | Semi-automatic feeding (15 m/min▲2), Flexographic plates (ASTM D3129), Pressure: 1000–3000 PSI | Faster than manual, consistent quality, handles larger formats (up to 24") | Higher cost ($5k–$15k), setup time (30–60 mins), less customization flexibility |
Fully Automatic Offset | High-volume production (books, magazines) | Fully automatic (50 m/min▲3), Offset plates (ISO 12647), Color accuracy: ΔE < 2 (CIELAB) | High speed, high-volume output (1000+ units/hour), precise color reproduction | Expensive ($50k+), complex maintenance, not viable for small runs (<100 units) |
Digital Printers | On-demand printing (custom labels, marketing) | Digital imaging (1200 dpi▲4), Variable data printing (ISO/IEC 29188), Speed: 100 ppm | No plates needed, instant design changes, low setup cost | Lower durability (UV inks fade faster), slower for large formats (>11"), higher per-unit cost |
Screen Printers | Thick ink applications (t-shirts, signs) | Mesh screen (200–400 mesh count▲5), Ink thickness: 0.1–0.5 mm (ASTM D2709), Manual/semi-automatic | Vibrant colors, handles textured surfaces, durable finishes | Slow production (5–10 units/hour), messy cleanup, limited to flat materials |
Embossing Machines | Textured finishes (certificates, invitations) | Adjustable depth (0.1–2 mm▲6), Pressure: 1500–5000 PSI (ASTM F36), Temperature control | Adds tactile texture, enhances design aesthetics, durable finish | Limited to thin materials, slower (2–3 units/min), requires precise plate alignment |