Lithography printing can be confidently called a cornerstone of modern commercial printing but it’s frequently misunderstood. 

As market-leading litho printers, the Lebone team is here to shed light on what lithography truly is and dispel common misconceptions. 

What Is Lithography Printing?

Lithography printing, derived from the Greek words “lithos” (stone) and “grapho” (to write), is a method of printing based on the inability of oil and water to blend homogeneously. 

This technique was invented by Alois Senefelder in 1796 and revolutionised the printing industry. The process is to create an image on a flat stone or metal plate, using a greasy substance, and then treating it with a mixture of acid and gum Arabic. The treated areas retain ink while the non-image areas repel it, allowing for extremely precise, high-quality prints.

Myth 1: Lithography Is Outdated

Contrary to the misunderstanding of some, lithography might come with a great legacy but it is far from outdated. The global printing market is projected to reach $821 billion by mid-2024, with lithography playing a significant role. 

At Lebone Litho, we have invested heavily as litho printers due to the continued market demand and relevance of the product that lithography produces. Our clients are very satisfied with the vibrant, high-resolution prints that keep their projects at award-winning levels.

Myth 2: Lithography Is Only For Large-Scale Printing

Lithography is renowned for its efficiency in large-scale projects and it also achieves phenomenal economies of scale. It is, however, also highly effective for medium-sized runs. Advances in technology have made it feasible for lithography to produce shorter-run jobs economically. 

Myth 3: Lithography Is Harmful To The Environment

Modern lithographic processes have evolved to be more eco-friendly, and Lebone management ensures that the latest technology is always brought into our production. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, innovations like water-based inks and recycled paper have significantly reduced the environmental impact. 

The entire Lebone Litho organisation is committed to sustainable practices and we use eco-friendly materials and processes to minimise our carbon footprint.

Myth 4: Digital Printing Is Superior To Lithography

Digital printing should not be seen as an alternative to lithography but as a complementary offering. Digital printing is the king of servicing small or tiny job lots. It is super flexible and convenient with quick turnaround times.

Lithography can sometimes outshine the digital offering when it comes to quality – it provides superior colour accuracy and consistency. This pushes it into a lead position for high-quality print jobs. 

A study by the International Digital Printing Association highlights that lithography remains the gold standard for colour fidelity and detail.

Myth 5: Lithography Is Expensive

While initial setup costs for lithography can be higher, the unit cost decreases significantly with larger volumes. This makes lithography beat its competitors hands-down with costs when it comes to high-volume projects. 

Put your best brand reputation forward with quality printing. Call Lebone Litho printers today!