Druckmaschinenkalibrierung

Druckmaschinen, or printing presses, are machines that transfer ink or toner to substrates such as paper, cardboard, or textiles to reproduce text and images. They range from manually operated devices used in early print shops to contemporary multi-color, high-speed systems used in publishing, packaging, and production printing.

The modern concept traces back to Gutenberg's movable-type press in the mid-15th century, which used a screw mechanism to apply pressure to composed type. Over the 18th and 19th centuries, steam-powered and rotary presses greatly increased speed and scale, enabling mass newspaper production. Offset lithography emerged in the 20th century and became the dominant commercial printing process, offering efficient high-volume output and broad color reproduction. The development of web-fed, rotary presses further accelerated large-format and continuous-print workflows.

There are several major families of Druckmaschinen. Letterpress uses raised surfaces to transfer ink and is known for tactile relief but has largely been supplanted by other methods for large runs. Lithography and offset printing involve flat imaging surfaces with a water–oil balance to separate image from non-image areas, often via a rubber blanket to transfer ink to the substrate. Gravure (intaglio) printing uses recessed cells for high-volume, high-quality work. Screen printing employs a mesh stencil to push ink through openings for substrates such as textiles and plastics. Digital printing presses use toner or inkjet technology to reproduce images directly from electronic files, enabling short runs and rapid changeovers.

Modern Druckmaschinen integrate computer-to-plate or computer-to-press workflows, color management, automation, and advanced inspection systems. They serve publishing, packaging, labels, and industrial applications, while emphasizing efficiency, consistency, and environmental considerations.