How Do You Print Newspapers?

A few critical processes are undertaken before newspaper readers can get their hands on a fresh copy. The first steps include collecting the content, editing, proofreading, and designing the page layout. The next step is where newspaper printing comes into play. So, how do you print newspapers? Although it might seem straightforward, it is more evolving and complex than that. This article will give a detailed outlook into the ins and outs of newspaper printing.

The Printing Process

There are two main methods that have been utilized in the newspaper print industry: hot type and cold type. Initially, hot type printing was followed, where a metal type was used to transfer images and texts to paper.

Cold type uses photographic methods to create, store, and reproduce texts. There are three main types of printing presses, namely digital, offset lithography, and web offset. Digital presses utilize digital printers, which have better customization and work on short runs. The texts and images are directly printed from the electronic files to the paper. This method is more costly and less suitable for newspaper printing. The ideal printing method is web offset presses, which allows for high volume, cost-effective, and faster printing. The main components of web offset printing include the unwinder, plate cylinder, drying unit, rubber blanket cylinder, inking process, and dampening area. This is how you print newspapers;

The Ink

Four primary colors are used for each printing plate: cyan, magenta, black, and yellow. A combination of these colors produces all the colors needed for the texts and images. Ink and water are combined to achieve the desired consistency and levels that enable premium-quality printing. The preparation is also specially curated to create crisp images and ensure fast drying. The term offset refers to the washing off of ink that falls onto unwanted areas by the jets of water from the machine.

The Plates

Phototypesetting and image transfer are the two first steps. The story is received electronically using a typeset file, and a dummy is created. A prototype is printed, and the team can assess the newspaper's various vital aspects and features and make any necessary adjustments. The images are transferred via laser beams from a facsimile machine to a specified area of the paper. Begin the process by loading the web or roll of paper onto the unwinder, which is situated at the bottom of the machine. The paper is continuously and automatically fed into the unwinder. Typically, three reels work harmoniously to ensure the paper is always ready to pass on to the other first reel. You will then mount the plates, which you should ensure are concisely aligned. This ensures that the colors, texts, and images are accurately transferred to the paper.

Another important aspect is to ensure proper plate tensioning to guarantee they are fixed in place and will not move during the printing. The metal plate cylinder is tasked with transferring the images and texts to the paper, and this process is referred to as offset lithography. The images and texts are pressed onto the blanket cylinder, which transfers them to the paper. It is vital to clean the plates before beginning the mounting process.

The Drying

Smudging is a newspaper printer's worst nightmare as it undoes the whole process, and you have to start from the beginning. This is why drying is an integral part of newspaper making. The first aspect is to get the ink and water mixture correct. Faster drying is encouraged using heat to ensure the ink readily adheres to the paper. Ultraviolet lights are also an excellent heat source. The newspaper is printed as large sheets that need to be cut into individual pages. The sheets are folded, assembled, and bound together.

The printing process is as easy as the steps listed above. This printing process ensures that high-quality newspaper prints are achieved at the right time and are ready for daily and weekly distribution.