This is the most comprehensive book on the science of lithography available. With an emphasis on single-color sheetfed printing, this volume starts with an overview of press operations before addressing cylinders, blankets, plates, rollers, inking systems, and dampening systems. It also discusses the printing of webs and non-traditional forms of lithography, such as keyless inking, emulsion printing, and waterless printing. Each chapter includes a list of references; a glossary of terms is included as well.

From the Preface: “...As the title suggests, a major emphasis has been placed on conveying a better understanding of the principles of lithographic printing, rather than on presenting prescriptions for solving specific problems. This has been done on the theory that one who is armed with a good understanding of fundamentals is much better equipped to take a systematic approach to both the solving of problems and improving the process. Because of this emphasis, the bulk of this first volume has been limited to the simpler segment of single-color sheetfed printing...”

Target Audience: Printing industry engineers and technologists, experienced press operators, and students of lithographic printing.

Table of Contents:

Overview

Cylinders, Blankets and Plates

Rollers and Rolling Action

Inking System Design

Dampening System Design

Unique Features of Web Printing

Non-Traditional Forms of Lithography

Glossary

Index