The printing form is a central element in the printing process; it contains the image to be printed, i.e. the information that is transferred to paper during the printing process. The type, manufacture and function of the printing form vary depending on the printing process. However, it forms the basis for the reproduction of text and images in print.
Four types of printing forms
Printing forms can be divided into four main categories, which correspond to the classic printing processes: relief printing, intaglio printing, planographic printing and gravure printing. In relief printing (e.g. letterpress printing), the printing elements are raised on the form. In intaglio printing, such as rotogravure printing, they are engraved into the form. In planographic printing, such as offset printing, chemical separation of water-loving and grease-loving areas on a flat printing plate is used. In transfer printing, which is best known from screen printing, the printing form is located on a fine fabric whose printing areas are ink-permeable and is printed through the fabric using a squeegee.
Depending on the process, printing forms are made of metal, polymer, rubber or fabric. Today, production is computer-assisted, for example using the CTP (computer-to-plate) process, in which the printing form is exposed directly from digital data without the need for film. In industrial production, printing forms must not only be highly precise, but also durable and stable in order to deliver consistently good printing results throughout the entire print run.
The printing form is therefore at the heart of the printing process. In the pre-press stage, it is produced from the design file and adapted to the requirements of the respective printing process – traditionally, this was the task of the ‘printing form or printing template manufacturer’, a profession that has been absorbed into the profession of digital and print media designer.
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