What is a Lambda c-print? Plus, the 4 Types of Prints

Lambda c-type print

 

A Lambda c-type print is a digital print produced using Durst’s Lambda printer. Durst’s Lambda uses three lasers (RGB – red, green, and blue) merged into one to create digital c-type prints on light-sensitive silver halide materials.

What is a Lamda print?

Lambda prints are laser-exposed onto light-sensitive photographic paper in the Durst Lambda digital printer and wet processed. They’re sharp and rich… perfect for a wide range of photographic art and commercial display. Lambda prints continue a color print tradition for many clients.

 

Our Durst Lambda 130 PLUS printer produces extremely high-quality output on silver halide photographic print materials. The Lambda can generate a maximum print size of 40″ wide by 100 feet long. The Lambda uses red, green, and blue lasers,  similar to those used by Lightjet printers.  Images are printed directly from your digital file to produce a  continuous tone print on silver-halide photographic paper. There are several advantages to using lasers as a light source, including higher D-max levels and smoother gradation than non-laser printers.

Visit the Durst Lambda website

  • Output on color photographic paper (RA-4)
  • Comparable in price to inkjet output
  • Tightly controlled silver-based process

Lambda Guidelines

Files must be 200ppi in size

or

400ppi  at size (50% higher cost)

Lambda Surfaces

Fuji Velvet | Fuji Maxima | Kodak Endura Lustre | Kodak Endura Gloss | Fuji Clear | Kodak Transclear | Kodak Premier Matte | Kodak Metallic

Using this process, we can print your images in full color or black and white in sizes up to 1219 mm (48 inches) in width and up to the length of an entire roll – which is a massive 1,968 inch.

Our c-type processor includes three wash tanks rather than the standard two, which increases archival stability.


Why Should I Choose Lambda C-type Prints?

Lambda c-type printing is the highest quality digital c-type printing available. The renowned Durst Lambda processor produces digital c-type prints that combine traditional archival processes with the benefits of a digital process.

Digital file information (the image) is passed directly to photographic paper using a system of lasers (rather than LEDs, which some digital c-type printers use). The Durst Lambda c-type printer produces an image with a higher PPI than commonly used LED printers, such as The Durst Theta or ZBE’s Chromira.

We can achieve ultra-sharp photographic digital C-type prints with true continuous tone, crisp edge-to-edge printing, and absolutely no distortion through this process.

We only use the highest-grade archival materials to produce your Lambda C-type print and carry stock of Fujicolor Crystal Archive papers in traditional Matte, Gloss, Super Gloss, Pearl, and Velvet. Alongside this, we stock transparency materials (Fujiclear and Fujitrans.

Each paper offers the tactility of a traditional photographic print with the benefits of additional control associated with a digital photographic printing process.

What is a digital C-type print?

A digital c-type is a photographic print, on light-sensitive paper, that has been exposed using digital technology, rather than traditional analog (otherwise known as ‘darkroom’) techniques. Digital c-types are created by exposing the paper using lasers or LEDs rather than a bulb, like in a darkroom.

What are the four types of print?

The most widely used print processes are surface, flexographic (flexo), gravure, and screen. It is important to recognize that each process is capable of yielding attractive, stylized, and salable products.

more info at:

http://gammaimaging.com/digital-photographic-printing/lambda-color-printing/

Surface

Surface printing is an automated printing method. It was first used in 1839. Most wallpaper was originally printed on surface printing machines. Surface printing machines are structured similarly to a Ferris wheel, with a large central roller over which the paper travels; the individual ink rollers transfer an image to the paper on the main roller.

More captivating than framed prints and more modern than canvas, solid printing surfaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. From acrylic and metal to wood and PVC, nontraditional substrates have become a favorite among interior designers and facility managers who desire an unexpected twist on traditional artwork.

Prints on Acrylic

Acrylics enhance a contemporary image with crisp, clean edges and a luminous appearance. While they usually feature a vibrant, glossy finish to make the colors pop, they can be produced with a matte surface to complement the surroundings or reduce glare. Acrylics also allow light to pass through, creating a subtle, dimensional, and in some cases, glowing effect.

Customize by choosing the thicknesses, type of corner profile, surface finish, and preferred stand-off hardware, if desired.

Prints on Metal

The tough guy of the commercial art world, metal prints give the artwork an edge with clean lines, a smooth finish, and sharp, vivid colors. Typically produced from specially-coated aluminum sheets, metal surface textures can vary from glossy to matte to best suit the imagery.

Customize by choosing the type of corner profile, surface finish, and preferred stand-off hardware, if desired.

Prints on Wood

Wood substrates add the warmth of wood tones to an image. Graphics or patterns for prints on wood can either be printed directly onto or engraved into the prepared piece and then sealed with a protective coating, enhancing the natural wood grain. Today’s treated prints on wood are resistant to moisture and cracking and will last for years to come.

Customize by choosing the type of wood, thickness, corner profile shape, and color and opacity of the ink.

Prints on SINTRA® Board

SINTRA® Board is a PVC material that is incredibly durable and simple to clean, making it an ideal artwork substrate for high-traffic areas. The plastic substrate allows for rich, vivid colors and crisp, detailed images. This economical substrate option provides the ability to install large, visually captivating pieces within a limited budget. The prints can withstand rigorous cleaning schedules and do not absorb moisture, making them easy to maintain.

PVC prints can be framed or unframed, installed with or without stand-offs, and its chemical resistance and Class A fire rating make it a safe option for locations with strict fire codes.

Prints on Tempered Glass

Tempered glass uses the transparent properties of glass for a luminous and striking display option. Heat-processed to increase its strength, tempered glass works as a moisture- and heat-resistant substrate, making it appropriate for both indoor and outdoor settings. With its sleek and polished appearance, tempered glass projects the illusion of an image “floating” on its surface, offering a contemporary option for an upscale look.

Customize by choosing the thickness and preferred standoff hardware, if desired.

Flexographic (flexo)

Flexography is a form of printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. It is essentially a modern version of letterpress, evolved with high-speed rotary functionality, which can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane, and paper. It is widely used for printing on the non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging.

Flexographic printing uses flexible photopolymer printing plates to print high-resolution images on a variety of substrates. 

These plates, which are made of rubber, are imprinted with a raised image and then wrapped around cylinders mounted on a web press. As they rotate at high speeds, the inked plates transfer the ink from the roll to the substrate, creating high-line count images. Each color still requires a different plate.

Aside from this technique’s high efficiency, Flexo printing is also appreciated because it delivers high-resolution images on a wide variety of materials. Additionally, flexo printing can use a range of inks such as water-based and UV inks, making this technique suitable for particular industries such as Food & Beverage, where some inks cannot be used.

Flexographic printing is not a new technology as the basic process behind this modern technique dates back to the end of the 19th century when it was known as letterpress or rubber stamp. At the time, this printing process was extremely rudimentary, not precise, and presented faults, especially due to the basic materials and designs. 

However, since then, the technology behind flexography has been steadily developing, today offering the chance to print complex, precise, and versatile designs. The integration of innovations such as Direct Laser Engraving and the development of materials have made flexographic printing extremely popular in various industries, including the Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, and Publishing industries.

HOW DOES FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING WORK?

Flexo printing employs an efficient technology that involves creating an image in relief on polymer image carriers such as plates and sleeves. These are wrapped around the cylinders, and the ink is transferred from a pan to the plate through an anilox roll. Here’s how it works.

CREATING THE DESIGN

The client will propose an artwork to be printed. Once the artwork is designed, it needs to be optimized for the flexographic printing press. Since the image carriers or plates can not be changed once produced, the original artwork must be perfectly designed. 

One of the crucial aspects to consider is that an image designed on a flat surface won’t look the same when placed on a round cylinder.

PICK THE SUBSTRATE AND FEED IT TO THE PRESS

Once you are happy with your design, you will need to pick the appropriate ink and substrate. Your labeling and packaging company will be able to help you identify the right one for your needs. Nonetheless, it is worth keeping in mind the regulations for your specific industry. For example, in the Food & Beverage industry, you will need non-porous materials and non-toxic ink. 

Once you have picked these components, they will be fed into the flexo printing press. The machine’s setup will enable a continuous printing process that allows you to obtain fast and accurate results.  

Because the flexo printing press works at high speeds and guarantees accurate results, it is suitable for large orders or printing requirements.  

DRYING AND FINISHING

Once the relief image on the plate has been transferred onto the substrate, this will continue to move through sections of the machine that are plate-less. Doing so will dry the ink, which will fix the image and prevent faults. Lastly, the substrate is extracted from the machine and rolled up again to be transferred into the cutting section, the part of the process that will separate the individual prints from each other. 

WHAT ARE FLEXO PRINT PLATES?

Flexo print plates are photopolymer plates that are flexible and used to transfer ink from an anilox into a flexible substrate. The plates are designed in relief and, when mounted on the cylinders, the image engraved on them will be imprinted on the substrate, whether this is plastic, film, or paper. The flexo print plates are a crucial aspect of the flexo printing process.

Since the plates will carry the image to be printed, they need to be designed accurately. Indeed, once the image is designed, these plates can be reused many times. At the same time, having to modify the design once this has been imprinted can be quicker and more cost-effective than litho or gravure print processes as the plates can be quicker and cheaper to produce.

WHAT IS FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING USED FOR?

Flexographic printing is among the most popular technologies used by industries such as pharmaceuticals and Food and Beverage, in which certain standards must be met. This technique is usually preferred to print high volumes of packaging and labels because it guarantees precision, speed, and accuracy. Indeed, flexographic printing presses can cover over 500ft to 2000ft per minute, printing on various materials including foils, cellophane, paperboards, and plastic. 

The food and beverage industry largely uses flexographic printing for labels and packaging. Indeed, this sector operates under strict regulations regarding what ink or substrate to use for their packaging. For example, the variety of materials on which flexo printing can operate represents a viable solution for some food packaging that cannot contain porous substrates.

“The flexographic printing machine market is expected to register a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2021 – 2026)

 

ADVANTAGES OF FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING

There are a variety of printing techniques on the market, but flexo printing is still the most popular within the Food and Beverage industry because:

  • The press runs at high speeds, creating high volumes of labels and packages within short timeframes
  • It can print on various materials and substrates, which offers you a viable alternative to comply with national and international regulations. 
  • It produces minimal waste in terms of materials, time, and resources
  • It allows you to obtain consistent and high-quality results
  • It requires minimal costs and can deliver high returns on investment

Gravure

Gravure printing is characterized by excellent print quality and high printing speed. Its further advantages are that it involves a simple printing process, accurate ink use, and the flexibility of printing machine structures. Gravure printing, due to several technological innovations, now belongs to innovative technologies. The market of packaging materials is the largest segment of gravure printing, and a further increase is forecast. In this chapter, the bases of the gravure printing process (ink transfer, drying, gravure cylinder, doctor blade, impression cylinder, characteristics of the prints) and the characteristics of gravure printing inks are presented. The up-to-date methods of gravure cylinder production and the characteristics of the structure of gravure printing machines are touched on, and finally, the areas of the development of gravure printing are dealt with.

more info at:

 

Screen

Screen printing (traditionally called silkscreen printing; also known as serigraphy and serigraph printing) is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink (or dye) onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi-colored image or design.

Traditionally, silk was used in the process. Currently, synthetic threads are commonly used in the screen printing process. The most popular mesh in general use is made of polyester. There are special-use mesh materials of nylon and stainless steel available for the screen printer. There are also different types of mesh sizes which will determine the outcome and look of the finished design on the material.

The technique is used not only for garment printing but for printing on many other substances, including decals, clock and watch faces, balloons, and many other products. Advanced uses include laying down conductors and resistors in multi-layer circuits using thin ceramic layers as the substrate.

more info at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_printing

 

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