Thanks to the “muscle” of large printing presses that can be fed by seemingly endless rolls of paper and gallons of ink, there’s really no such thing as a printing job that’s too big. But, until the introduction of digital technology, many jobs were considered too small to be worth the investment because set-up costs (meaning prepping for the print run) were too high to be absorbed in a short run. Not anymore.
What makes offset different from digital? Traditional offset printing uses a press to lay ink on paper. It remains the most cost-effective method for producing large quantities of static documents, that is, pages with no variations in the text or images from one copy to the next. Some print jobs that use special inks, paper stocks or finishes can only be completed using the offset process.
Digital printing is akin to a superior-quality colour copier. It is ideal for short-run or variable data applications. Digital printers work with electronic files and produce images with toners and inks with no printing plates. In some instances, the quality can exceed that of average offset printing as it is subject to fewer variables like temperature, humidity and press operator expertise.
Digital printing eliminates the costly set-up procedures traditional printing requires which take the same time whether you’re printing 10 pieces or 10,000. As a result, printing jobs done digitally can be completed 50 to 70 percent faster than before – and for less.
Understanding the features of digital printing and how it compares to offset printing is important for choosing the right solution.
Traditional offset gives you:
Superior image and colour quality control. By using Pantone’s PMS (Pantone Matching System) palette, the colours are mixed to precise, pre-set specifications.
Flexibility in your options for special papers, finishes or an unusual printing surfaces like cloth, leather or plastic.
Economy for high volume projects. Offset printing has front-end charges, but as quantities increase, the unit cost decreases.
Digital is best for:
Quick turnaround. Computerization makes the printing process simple and quick. Additional time for folding, lamination and other finishing steps will be the same, however, as with offset printing.
Low volume. Because there are no set-up charges, the unit price is the same whether you print one or 1,000.
Proofing. Digital offers accurate proofs since you see an actual sample of the printed piece. Accurate colour proofing for offset printing can be expensive.
Regular updating of materials. It pays to keep print runs short to avoid waste when job specifications or product part numbers, for instance, are frequently updated. No more stickers when small changes need to be made.
On-demand digital printing offers numerous advantages to large and small businesses, including faster turnaround, shorter print runs, message customization and high quality, as well as fewer errors. Watch as this technology continues to evolve.