plaantrükitehnikaid

Plantrükitehnikaid are printing methods in which the image and non-image areas are on the same plane. Ink adheres to the image areas while non-image areas repel ink, typically using a water-based fountain solution to keep non-image areas moist and ink-repellent. Planography is distinguished from relief printing, where image areas are raised, and from intaglio, where ink sits in recessed areas.

The traditional form is lithography, founded on the ink–water immiscibility of grease-based printing inks and aqueous dispersion. A prepared flat surface, usually a metal plate, carries hydrophobic image areas and hydrophilic non-image areas; the fountain solution modulates ink pickup. The principle allows fine tonal reproduction and stable image on smooth substrates.

The dominant commercial variant is offset lithography. The image is first formed on a plate, then transferred to a rubber blanket cylinder and subsequently printed onto the substrate. This indirect transfer affords high-speed production, broad substrate compatibility, and excellent ink laydown. Modern presses employ computer-to-plate workflow and precise color management.

Planographic methods are widely used in newspapers, magazines, packaging, and other commercial printing. Sheet-fed and web-fed configurations support different run lengths and formats. Developments include digital plate technologies, alcohol-free fountain solutions, and environmentally friendlier inks, while maintaining the core planographic principle.