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 and Disadvantages of Digital Printing
Digital printing offers distinct advantages. Advantages include print on demand capability, fast turnarounds, and test runs that can save a company money from costly mistakes. Additionally, because of technological advances, the quality of digital prints are constantly improving. Due to these conveniences, it is obvious why digital printing is the choice printing option for various companies. Digital printing is becoming a reality today.
What is Digital Offset Printing?
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 and Disadvantages of Offset Printing
Offset printing has the distinct advantage of rendering much higher quality images than digital printing. However, offset printing has numerous disadvantages that make it fall short in today’s fast-paced world. Offset printing does not allow for on-demand printing, comes at a much higher cost than digital and must be ordered in large quantities if plates are to be made.
Which One Should I Use?
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. Digital printing is the future as the gap is slowly being closed.
Conclusion
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.
