Question

Give a brief account of the innovations in printing technology.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• List at least three innovations chronologically.
• Explain their application.

Solution:

• In the late 18th century, presses were made of metal. This improved the longevity of the presses and finer prints.
• In the mid-19th century, Richard M. Hoe perfected the power-driven cylindrical press that could print 8000 sheets per hour.
• In the late 19th century, an offset printer that could print 6 colours was developed.
• In the 20th century, electrically operated presses printed even faster.
• There were also other notable developments. These developments usually focused on:
  • Better methods of feeding paper
  • Better quality of the plates used
  • Automatic paper reels
  • Photoelectric controls of colour register.