What is a Letterpress?

The original letterpress was created in the middle of the 15^th century by Johannes Gutenberg. The letterpress was used to mass produce books, and images. Previously, this could not be done on a large scale. The first book ever printed in mass was the Gutenberg Bible. The invention of the letterpress helped to usher in the modern age.

In General

The letterpress is a machine that uses individual pieces of type that have been cast into a relief plate. These cast forms are called type forms. Images are also cast this way to create artwork. Many modern artists such as Andy Warhol have used presses similar to this one to create masterpieces.

To transfer the images, ink is applied to the carved forms. The forms are then pressed onto a piece of paper. When the type is removed the image is left behind.

Modern Letterpress

Today's letterpress uses the same techniques as the original moveable type press. Both texts and images are printed from a raised surface and pressed into a paper.

The forms, are made with photopolymer and metal plates. But instead of hand engraved images and type, computers are used to create the images and type. They then guide a program that engraves them directly onto the photopolymer and metal plates.

Interestingly enough, even with the technological advancements in the area of creating engravings, impressions are still made onto the paper one at a time.

Usage

Today the letterpress has been of renewed interest to printers. While the standard printers available at all outlet stores, produce images much faster, they do not print with the same texture or quality that a letterpress does. In fact, most letterpress prints are used for high-end wedding announcements, place cards, stationary, and any other elegant stationary need.

Eco Friendly

The letterpress is more economically friendly than other printing options. Unlike other printers, the letterpress cannot operate with a tree based paper. High grade cotton paper has to be used to produce a clean print. This helps both the cotton farmer, as well as protects trees from being harvested.