Presses versus copiers

As the digital age overtakes us, so do changes in the processes that we depend on and take for granted.

For example, printing and the printed page. We all have access to a desktop printer or a personal copier. And companies like Executive Press use printing presses and digital printers.

What's the difference between all of these beasts?

A traditional printing press relies on ink, a plate or platen for transfer and paper. The image is typically transferred photographically to a plate and then the plate afixed to the press. Ink is applied and paper fed through the press to capture the image.

Digital printers or copiers typically dispense with the photographic part and send the image straight to the image transfer system.

A good article describing the difference can be found here: http://americanprinter.com/digital-presses/printing_going_digital_staying/

The point is, while one might seem archaic or old, it still has it's place. Many applications (catalogs, books, larger forms) require large-scale reproduction and bindery. Most processes find a place, while maybe reduced in scale, as we move forward.

The Executive Pressman