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Printing is the method of production of texts and images, particularly with ink on paper using a printing press. It is generally carried out as a large scale industrial process and is an essential part of publishing and transaction printing.
Printing was first developed in China. Primitive woodblock printing started in the sixth century. The oldest printed book is the Diamond Sutra, which was printed using block printing. According to U.S. Industry and Market Outlook, there are approximately 30,700 printing companies in States which account for $ 112 million.
Newspapers and books are generally printed using the technique of offset printing. Other techniques include relief print, rotogravure, screen printing and digital based inkjet and laser printing. The largest commercial and industrial printer in the world is Montreal, Quebec based Quebecor World.
Digital printing makes use of an electrical charge to transfer toner or liquid ink to the substrate that is going down on. Digital printing has improved through the years from color and black and white copiers to sophisticated color digital presses like Xeros iGen3, HP Indigo series and the Kodak Nexpress.
Small press and fanzines make use of offset printing or xerography but befire the advent of cheap photocopying the use of machines such as hectograph, spirit duplicator and mimeograph was common.
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