ITS PRODUCTS ARE ALL AROUND US

When we think about an industry, we generally think in terms of its major product or products. The Steel industry produces steel and the automotive industry, automobiles. But what does the printing industry produce? The answer is the thing that are printed or related to the printing business, such as paper, inks, or bindings.

Printed products are all around us. Books and magazines, newspapers and catalogs, maps and charts, posters and brochures, stamps and paper money are some examples of products produced in their entirely by the printing industry.

Printing plays a key role in the generation of products produced by other industries as well. For example, textiles, wallpaper, toothpaste tubes, soft drink cans, candy wrappers, oranges and baseballs all container printed images. Even the circuits used for electronic devices such as calculators and television sets are printed.

When we use the term graphic communications as an alternative of printing or graphic arts, we also extend the scope of printing industry. Satellite communication of documents, computer generated images, monitor display of words, ect. are all considered as a part of printing products.

The list of products in whole or in part by the printing industry is almost endless. Think about it. Printing is all around us.

ITS PURPOSE IS TO COMMUNICATE

Most printing is done in order to convey a message from one person or group of people to another. Newspapers, books, magazines, catalogs, Greeting cards, labels, and business forms are all examples of printed products used for this purpose.

They all contain messages. When a message is sent by one person and received by another, communication takes place.

Printed message are graphic or visual in form. They are made up of symbols, drawings, and photographs. Communication through the use of printed image is called graphic communication. The primary purpose of the graphic communications industry, then, is to produce products that communicate graphically.

SCOPE OF THE INDUSTRY

This book is a product of the graphic communications industry. Several individuals and business enterprises played an important role in its creation. Together these individuals and enterprises represent the scope of the industry. So let's now take a brief look at how this book was produced.

The main purpose of this book is to help you learn scientific English on graphic communications. It deals with the organization, tools, materials, and processes of the printing industry. The content, or message, of this book was developed by the author after consultation with publisher.

The publisher provided design and editorial assistance and managed the production and sale of the book.

Type had to be set by the workers that specialize in type composition. They are called compositors or typesetters. Illustrations were gathered. Artists created drawings and photographers made photographs.

The assembled type, artwork, and photographs were sent to a printer, who made plates, and printed the pages. The printer then sent the pages to a bindery where they were folded. Sewn together, trimmed, and encased in a cover.

The author, editor, publisher, compositor, artist, photographer, printer, and binder all played an important role in the creation of this book. Supplies such as paper and ink products and printing equipment were needed as well. The printing industry encompasses a wide range of occupations, activities, and enterprises.

SCALE OF THE INDUSTRY

Printing industry is one of the most important industries in the world. Like food, clothing, shelter and transportation, printing is also considered as a basic necessity of human life. The industry has the largest number of establishments in any manufacturing industries though most of its firms are small and medium sized. Its companies are located throughout the world especially in and around areas of high population and industrial development.