18Bc to 90bc – If we look back at the history of print making we can see that it stretches as far as 18bc, it started in china during the tang dynasty. One of the first methods they used was wood block printing, a technique that uses ink on blocks to print images, text and patterns. One of the most notable projects achieved by this method is called the diamond sutra, which is one of the most influential sutras to ever exist, due to its mysterious nature, the pioneer is unknown.
Following on from our previous method, another major approach to print making is discovered in Europe, around the ages 1452. This method is known as metal plate printing, it consists of etching the metal via using a strong chemical, and later engraving designs on it, it is still widely used and is quite beneficial.
1423 – Block Printing has migrated all the way to Europe, the Europeans use it to print and publish books.
1465 – Dry point engraving is invented by the Germans, it consists of incising an image onto a plate with a hard pointed needle, the plate is usually copper but further variations such as zinc or acetate can also be used. This technique is centered mainly on engraving, and it is perfect for artists to test their skills. The needle like shape of the instrument used to engrave the art work represents a pencil, this makes it easier for artists to engrave their work on it.
Year 1660 – Germans invented the Mezzo-tint technique, it is a print making process of the intaglio family, it is a similar method to the dry point technique above. It is used to create tone in images without using drawing techniques such as hatching and cross hatching, it was the first of its kind.
1725 – Scotland creates the first of its kind, young Scottish man William gent invents stereo-typing also known as cliche or stereo plate. It consists of a solid plate of metal which is then reimbursed with paper mache , an example of this is below.
In the year 1800, lord Stanhope builds the very first printing press made entirely of iron, he was a scientist and statesman. Stanhope made a major impact in the history of print making as it later introduced similar ideas, which were then renovated to become the modern day print maker.
1819 – Rotary printing – A printing method invented by Napier. It subsists of a large cylinder like shape and a paper or any other substrate. This is how this machine works, an image is selected to print and is placed onto the cylinder so that it can be curved around it to release a printed image, a number of plates can be used, such as cardboard and plastic. Paper isn’t the only option.
1829
Louise Braille invents Embossed printing – Example of the printing method below.
1865
First double sided printer is created, in other words it is able to print both sides of the paper.
1904
Offset lithography is introduced, its used to print news papers, posters, packaging, books and maps.
Later on, another machine was introduced in 1955, knows as the copy flow. This machine was used to print roll microfilm, and was a major sell out during its time; the creators of it were Xerox.
1996
A phenomenal day in the history of print making, the first printer of its kind was released. The 3D Printer created by ZINK corporations.
2003 – Epsom launches the wireless printer, this gives birth to further wireless printers.
2007 – Zink corp continues to do what they do best, they create the first ever ink less printer.
Yunus Ekici 