Slurring is a common defect usually associated with the printing process. When there is a slurring of a printout, the texts or images look smudged, distorted, or blurred. Such a defect can lead to problems with the readability and image integrity of the printed matter, making the whole print duller and less impressive.
Slurring usually occurs for several reasons, including faulty printing machines, wrong alignment of paper/printing plates, and too much ink being put on the paper. The printed characters or images lose their sharpness and look blurry or smeared when the document or printing plate is misaligned. Excess ink, on the other hand, may cause bleeds that make the printed material not appear sharp.
In such cases as slurring, it is highly problematic in professional settings like commercial printing, publishing, or packaging industries wherein high quality and pleasingly attractive outcomes are required. As such, slurred printouts may not be acceptable and must be redone, resulting in additional costs and time.
Printers and printing press operators take numerous measures to prevent slurring. These procedures include routine equipment inspection, correct paper and plate alignment, and avoiding overuse of ink. Besides, printing on good paper and modern types of printing, for example, digital or laser printing, will help to minimize the probability of slurring and make printouts sharp and precise.