Litografiasysteemit

Litografiasysteemit refers to lithographic printing systems. Lithography is a planographic method of printing, meaning it relies on the fact that oil and water do not mix. In traditional lithography, an image is drawn onto a flat stone or metal plate using a grease-based medium. The plate is then treated with a chemical solution that makes the non-image areas receptive to water and resistant to ink, while the image areas retain their receptivity to ink. When ink is applied, it adheres only to the greasy image areas, and paper is pressed against the plate to transfer the ink.

Modern lithographic systems, particularly in commercial printing, often utilize offset lithography. In offset lithography, the image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket cylinder, and then from the blanket cylinder to the paper. This indirect process is known as "offsetting." Offset lithography offers several advantages, including longer plate life and the ability to print on a wider variety of paper surfaces, including textured or rough ones, as the soft blanket can conform to the paper's irregularities.

Lithographic systems are widely used for producing books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, packaging, and many other printed materials due to their high quality, cost-effectiveness for large print runs, and ability to reproduce fine detail and a wide range of colors. The technology has evolved significantly with the introduction of digital pre-press technologies, such as computer-to-plate (CTP) systems, which streamline the production process and improve efficiency and accuracy.