prasy

Prasy is a Polish term that can refer to two broad concepts: mechanical devices used in manufacturing and the printing press or the broader media industry. The specific meaning depends on context, with engineering texts emphasizing equipment and journalism discussions focusing on news and periodicals.

In manufacturing, prasy are machines that apply high force to cut, punch, or form materials, most commonly metal and plastics. They include hydraulic presses, mechanical presses, servo presses, and punch presses. A typical press comprises a rigid frame, a movable ram or slide, and tooling on a bed. Operators control stroke, tonnage, and die movements, often integrating automation, sensors, and computer controls. Prasy are used in stamping, forming, and assembly lines, and safety standards govern their operation.

In the context of journalism, prasa is the Polish word for the press, referring to newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals as a category of media. The term highlights the institutions, products, and activities involved in reporting, publishing, and distributing information. In contemporary Poland, prasa encompasses print and digital outlets, with a landscape shaped by changes in readership, regulation, and media ownership. The plural form "prasy" is not typically used to refer to the media itself in ordinary Polish; instead "prasa" is used as the collective term.