Good registration is vital to print making. This holds true even if you print only a single color. Good registration is needed to control the margin width. The process becomes even more important in case of multiple plates or multiple colors. Proper registration helps to position right page elements in correct places. Everything will be the best quality if all registration marks matches up.
Almost all print-makers grapple with consistency in print registration. Many of them have developed their unique solutions. Simpler solutions are better in such circumstances. It is important to have knowledge of multiple methods as a few registration methods function better for a few methods compared to others.
Basic Box and T-bar Method
Basic Box Method works the best with thin matrixes like relief prints from thin plywood sheets, intaglio plates, and un-backed linoleum plates. To do this, simply draw one box inside the other. It is to be noted that such a method relies on tearing the paper to finished size prior to printing.
T-bar method is an excellent technique for any printing method including lithography and which functions excellently with box method. The technique needs-like Box Method- to tear the paper to finished size prior to printing. This method is similarly simple as box method. It is much simpler. Many beginners, however, have a hard time keeping up the correct side. If the paper is not torn carefully and in a consistent manner, you need to do a few mathematical calculations to locate its exact center. It follows that this marginally more simpler technique could be better choices for the experienced print makers. A certain technique must be followed to locate the center.
Jig Registration Method
The Jig Registration method is another technique for print registration. The main advantage of this method is there is no requirement to tear the paper to final size prior to printing. The principal thing that print makers who follow the Jig Registration technique do is to get plate in middle of press bed. The paper is left long so that it remains trapped in its position under blankets. Then it will be possible to print one color and swap plates. Another color is printed and the plates get swapped again. This continues as long as necessary. The colors will correctly line up as long as paper remains trapped under blankets and plates are placed in identical spot every time. Post all the colors get printed, and the paper dries up, then only the paper is torn to final size.