The debate in the printing world has remained the same for years now. Digital printing or digital offset printing — which do you prefer for your printing projects? It is no surprise that this is a hotly contested topic, since both forms of printing offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that make for a tough choice.
We are here to help you make a more informed decision about which style of printing will best suit your needs.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing came of age in the ‘90s. Today it is the printing choice of printing companies for its relative convenience. Digital printing does not require plates and can be pressed onto most surfaces utilizing digital files like a PDF. In turn, this allows for quite a bit of flexibility for large printing jobs.
Advantages of Digital Printing
- Print on Demand Capability: Digital printing allows for printing exactly what you need when you need it. This flexibility is ideal for businesses that require frequent updates to their marketing materials or need small print runs for special events. With print on demand, there is no need to order large quantities to get a good price for your print project.
- Fast Turnarounds: One of the most significant advantages of a digital press is its speed. Without the need for plate creation and lengthy setup processes, digital printers can start printing almost immediately. This quick turnaround is crucial for businesses with tight deadlines or last-minute projects.
- Cost-Effective Test Runs: Digital printing makes it easy to conduct test runs or prototypes before committing to a large order. This feature allows businesses to catch errors, make adjustments, and ensure the final product meets their expectations without incurring high costs. This reduces the risk of costly mistakes and enhances overall quality control.
- Improving Quality: Technological advancements in digital printing are continually enhancing print quality. Modern digital printers produce sharp, vibrant images with a resolution that rivals traditional offset printing. This quality improvement makes digital printing a viable option for high-quality marketing materials, brochures, and other professional documents.
- Versatility: Digital printing is highly versatile, allowing for printing on various substrates, including paper, cardstock, fabrics, and even certain plastics. This versatility is beneficial for businesses looking to print diverse materials such as business cards, banners, or promotional items.
- Personalization and Customization: Digital printing excels at producing personalized and customized materials. Variable data printing (VDP) allows for individual elements such as names, addresses, or images to be changed from one printed piece to the next without slowing down the process. This capability is perfect for targeted marketing campaigns and personalized communication.
Disadvantages of Digital Printing
- Limited Paper Choices: Digital printing transfers directly to the paper which limits the range of paper types and finishes available. This limitation can be a drawback for projects that require specific paper textures or specialty finishes.
- Color Accuracy: Although digital printing technology is constantly improving, it may not always match the exact color consistency of offset printing, especially for very large print runs. Color matching can be a challenge when precise brand colors are required across different batches.
- Higher Cost for Large Quantities: For very large print runs, digital printing can be more expensive per piece compared to offset printing. Offset printing becomes more cost-effective as the quantity increases due to the lower cost per unit once the initial setup is complete.
Offset Printing Explained
Offset printing is an old-fashioned printing technique that is used today. A printer engraves an image on a plate. Then, the printer transfers the image onto a rubber blanket. In the end, this rubber blanket is used to press images onto the final material. This process renders high-quality images; however, it is usually only performed on large orders which leave little room for error.
If a run is misprinted, it can cost the company a hefty sum to fix the damage or reprint the entire order. In turn, this may discourage small businesses on a budget.
Advantages of Offset Printing
- Superior Image Quality: Offset printing is renowned for its exceptional image quality. This method produces sharp, clear images with precise color consistency. New inkjet technology gives the ability to control the density of ink laid down ensures high-fidelity reproduction of images and text.
- Cost Efficiency for Large Runs: While the initial setup costs for offset printing can be high, the per-unit cost decreases significantly with larger print runs. This makes offset printing highly cost-effective for large quantity orders.
- Wide Range of Paper Options: Offset printing supports a broader variety of paper types, finishes, and custom sizes than digital printing. From heavy cardstock to lightweight paper, glossy to matte finishes, offset printing can handle a diverse array of substrates, providing businesses with more flexibility in choosing the perfect material for their projects.
- Color Accuracy and Consistency: Offset printing offers superior color accuracy and consistency across the entire print run. The use of Pantone color matching and the ability to adjust ink distribution on the printing plates allow for precise color control.
Disadvantages of Offset Printing
- High Initial Costs: Offset printing requires a setup process that includes printing plates and configuring the press, which incurs higher initial costs. This expense can be prohibitive for small businesses or projects with smaller print runs, making offset printing less economical for low-quantity orders.
- Longer Turnaround Times: The preparation involved in offset presses, including creating plates and setting up the press, takes more time compared to digital printing. This can result in longer turnaround times, which may not be ideal for businesses with tight deadlines or urgent printing needs.
- Lack of Flexibility: Offset printing is less flexible than digital printing when it comes to making changes to the design or content. Once the plates are made, any modifications can be costly and time-consuming. This rigidity makes offset printing less suitable for projects that require frequent updates or customization.
- Minimum Order Requirements: Offset printing is generally more economical for larger print runs due to the initial setup costs. This often necessitates minimum order quantities to make the process cost-effective, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that need smaller print runs or want to print in smaller batches.
- Environmental Impact: The offset printing process involves the use of chemicals, inks, and solvents that can have environmental implications. Additionally, the need for printing plates generates more waste compared to digital printing, which is a more environmentally friendly option due to its on-demand nature and reduced material waste.
Which Printing Methods Should I Use?
Choosing between digital and offset printing can be challenging, but picking the best printing method for your needs is vital. Select the printing process that works best for your business.
For Small Businesses
Digital printing is typically the better choice. It offers the flexibility to test and modify designs without significant cost. Additionally, the fast turnaround times of the digital print technology make it a practical option for small to medium-sized print runs.
For Large Orders with High-Quality Needs
If your project requires extremely high-quality images or involves a large print run, digital offset printing may be the way to go. Despite higher initial costs and longer setup times, the superior image quality and cost efficiency for large quantities can be beneficial.
Therefore, if you are a small business that needs printing services, it is advised that you opt for digital printing. Digital printing will allow you to test designs, modify the designs, and inexpensively print the design. In addition, the quality is similar to offset printing. While offset and digital printing are both excellent methods of printing, digital printers are the future as the gap is slowly being closed.
Selecting Between Digital and Offset Printing
All things considered, digital printing is fast becoming the industry standard. Digital printing ensures fast turn over, satisfactory quality, and low printing costs. If you are in need of printing services, contact The Print Authority and ask about how their digital printing services can help your business excel.
In brief, there has never been a better time for small businesses in printing.
