1. Development Direction of Offset Printing Technology
Currently, the main international offset printing topics include direct-to-plate technology, direct printing technology, horizontal-free printing technology, and frequency modulation screening technology. Most foreign sheet-fed multicolor offset printing presses employ remote ink control, automatic plate loading, and automatic registration devices, controlling and diagnosing faults throughout the entire production process. Domestic development started later, and greater efforts are needed in the research and development of next-generation integrated multicolor offset printing presses. Furthermore, the quality of domestically produced printing equipment (paper, ink, photosensitive materials, and blankets) needs improvement.
2. Development Trends of Flexographic Printing Technology
Following the signing of the Monte Carlo Convention in 1995, emission controls on CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) have become increasingly stringent, and solvents such as trichloroethane and tetrafluoroethylene have also been restricted. To ensure flexographic printing meets environmental requirements, there are two development paths: one is the development of new environmentally friendly plate-washing solvents, and the other is the development, manufacturing, and practical application of water-developable flexographic plates. Simultaneously, thinner printing plates will also be a development direction for flexographic printing.
3. Development Trends of Gravure Printing Technology
Gravure printing equipment requires significant investment and has high plate-making costs, making it suitable only for long-run products. The use of gravure inks is also limited due to the presence of toxic substances. If these shortcomings can be addressed, gravure printing will see significant development. In recent years, advancements in gravure printing plate technology have greatly shortened preparation time, enhancing its competitiveness in the medium and short-run production market. Future development of gravure printing is expected to focus on: fully automated gravure cylinder electroplating; the application of filmless electronic engraving technology; photopolymer thin roll gravure technology and the development of wraparound gravure plates; digital rapid proofing; and the development of gravure printing presses towards multi-purpose, multi-color, high-speed, automated, interconnected, and environmentally friendly directions; achieving water-based gravure ink printing while effectively controlling the residual solvent content of solvent-based inks.
