1. With the advent of digital printing technology, customers
now have more option and flexibility that meets their exact
printing needs. It has brought numerous benefits to both customers
as well as commercial digital printing services. However,
traditional method of offset lithography is still in use, which in
many ways is different from digital printing. This has become a
major topic confusion among consumers, regarding which is better
and why! This article explains practical difference between the
modern digital and traditional offset printing; as well as their
application, advantages and everything in between.
2. Offset Printing Printing process: It is preferred primarily
for bulk printing needs. First, the required image is burned on a
metal plate. It is then treated to attract ink on the colored area
and water on blank area. The roller plates are then pressed on a
rubber blanket; thereby leaving the required image on the paper.
This printing process is called 'offset', because the ink is not
printed directly.
3. Disadvantages of Offset Printing: Even for a minor change in
the image, a new set of metal plates has to be prepared. To make it
cost-effective, printing quantity must be high. Significant cost,
time and man-power is involved to make the initial arrangements.
Turnaround time is longer as ink needs to be dried before
finishing.
4. Advantages of Offset Printing: Image quality is top-notch.
Special or spot inks could be added for effects. It can be used on
a number of material such as paper, fabric, wood, metal, leather,
plastic etc. It is very cost-effective for high volume prints
5. Digital Printing Printing process: It eliminates the need of
printing plates, color proofs or any other manual process. The
prototype can rather be fed directly from a computer to a digital
printer.
6. Digital prints are vulnerable to marking and scuffing. If
toner is used, the image may crack when folded and may cause
lamination bubbling. Less accurate tints, gradients and large solid
areas of color. Not efficient for high volume prints. Disadvantages
of Digital Printing:
7. High image quality. Consistency across all prints, as
there's no need of balancing ink and water. Customers get more
accurate counts and involves less waste. Cost per print is high;
however, cheaper with low volume prints. Images can be edited as
many time, as it doesn't require making printing plates. Advantages
of Digital Printing:
8. Difference in other aspects of printing: Customization of
Images: Digital printing makes it affordable for prints that are
changed frequently. Offset could be very expensive! Proofing:
Digital produces accurate proofs. Whereas for offset, it could be
expensive! Turnaround: Digital is faster than any other printing
methods Color: Digital is cost-effective for four color printing.
For single color prints, offset is cost-effective
9. Contact Us Spinnprint 27071 Cabot rd, Suite 124 Laguna Hills
Ca 92653 Tel: (800) 544-1006 Follow Us
