Whether you’re making photocopies, writing down notes in class, or reading a hardback book, the printing process plays an important role in our everyday lives. In fact, printing ink can even be traced back to the mid-1400s. The team at Alpha Laser Richmond, the leading computer support and PC repair company in Staten Island, NY, is here to share a brief history of printer ink.

In 1450, Johann Gutenberg used an oil-based ink on a movable printing press to print a single page of text. After first experimenting with different designs, Gutenberg created the first printing press, which was actually operated by hand. This allowed him to produce high-quality books, such as the first printed copy of the Bible, also known as the Gutenberg Bible. It had 42 lines on each page, and it’s estimated that there were 180 to 200 copies produced.

While Gutenberg was the pioneer of the printing press, this process flourished through the industrial era. Advancements that stemmed from his creation included engraving, mezzotint, and lithography. In 1796, the invention of lithography is what brought the application of text onto different surfaces. It involved the application of a greasy ink to stone, which was then pressed onto the intended surface.

Finally, in the 21st century, techniques such as screen printing, inkjet printers, and photocopying changed the way printing services worked. Inkjet printers created images through droplets of ink on the paper, in which the ink remains a liquid. Inkjet printers were able to produce high-quality images that made them the standard in modern printing.

If you’re located in Staten Island, NY, and dealing with a printer or computer problem, don’t hesitate to contact an IT professional at Alpha Laser Richmond for top-quality PC repair. They also provide additional services, from toner and ink cartridge recycling to copier repair. Call (718) 317-1263 to speak with a PC repair expert, or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.