Definition

Noun: A lithograph machine is a duplicating machine that uses the lithographic printing process. It operates on the principle that oil and water do not mix. A flat surface (traditionally stone, now often a metal plate) is chemically treated so that the image areas attract ink while the non-image areas repel it, allowing for the reproduction of text or images.

Usage

The term "lithograph machine" refers specifically to the mechanical apparatus used for lithographic printing. * The antique lithograph machine in the museum demonstrated 19th-century printing technology. * For high-volume printing, a modern offset lithograph machine is much more efficient.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: Early lithograph machines used a slab of limestone. The invention of the rotary press and metal plates led to faster, automated .
• Commercial Printing: In modern contexts, "lithograph machine" often implies an offset lithography press, where the inked image is transferred (offset) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface.

Variants and Related Words

• Lithograph (noun): The print produced by a lithograph machine.
  • He collected a beautiful color lithograph of the city.
• Lithograph (verb): The act of producing a print using this method.
  • The artist learned to lithograph his own designs.
• Lithography (noun): The overall printing process or technique.
  • Lithography revolutionized poster art.
• Offset Press: A common type of modern lithograph machine.

Synonyms

• Lithographic press
• Planographic press (technical term, as lithography is a planographic process)

Related Phrases and Technical Terms

• Plate cylinder: The cylinder on a lithograph machine that holds the printing plate.
• Dampening system: The part of a lithograph machine that applies water to the plate.
• Inking system: The part of a lithograph machine that applies ink to the plate.

Noun

1. duplicator that prints by lithography; a flat surface (of stone or metal) is treated to absorb or repel ink in the desired pattern