Lithography

Lithography is a technique for printing on a smooth surface. It can be used to print text or artwork onto paper or another appropriate material. It can also refer to photolithography, a microfabrication method used to construct integrated circuits and microelectromechanical systems. Lithography works because of the revulsion of oil and water.Lithography was invented by Alois Senefelder in 1798.

Lithography is a printing method that uses chemical processes to make an image. For instance, the positive part of an image would be a hydrophobic chemical, while the negative image would be water. Thus, when the plate is introduced to a companionable ink and water mixture, the ink will adhere to the positive image and the water will clean the negative image. This allows for a comparatively flat print plate which allows for much longer runs than the older physical methods of imaging (e.g., embossing or engraving).

current high-volume lithography is used to make posters, books, newspapers, packaging, credit cards, decorated CDs – just about any smooth, mass-produced item with print on it.