( 5 minutes read ) If you’ve been searching around for printing services, you’ve likely come across “printing jargon” a time or two. You might have heard words like DI(Digital Image) Machine, Large Format machine or Kord Machine, 201, Plate Making, etc. They are basically terms that fall under two major categories “Digital” and “offset printing”. While Many are familiar with the terms a lot of people are not exactly sure what is “digital” and “offset” as it pertains to printing, and which method is best for their projects.
What is Digital Printing:
Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media ( Paper, vinyl, etc). This means: it goes directly from your PDF file, word document, or design software, for instance to a digital printer. Examples of Digital printers include:
Examples of digital printers:
DI Machine: This prints on Paper(Gloss, Matte, paper sticker) Examples of output from such printer includes: Flyers, Brochures, Paper Stickers, etc
Large Format or Wide Format Machine: This prints on Vinyl banners, Stickers, and Solite material. Examples of output from such printers include: Outdoor Banner, Roll Up Banner, Vehicle Branding, etc
UV or Ultraviolet Printers: These are ideal for materials hard materials such as wood, and plastic. ceramic, Metal, etc Examples of output from such printer includes: Branded Metal Pen, Acrylic frames, etc
Digital printing is the term used to refer to professional printing where small-run jobs such as desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large-format and/or high-volume or inkjet printers. This is an ideal print method for small businesses with low printing demand.
Digital printing is ideal for a business owner that needs something printed fast, in high quality, and would require proof before your job gets started this is where digital printing has advantages.
Importance of Digital Printing
It allows for small Printing Runs.
Prints High Quality with uniformity of prints
Fast Turnaround Time
It has a lower per-unit cost
Easy To Provide Printed Proof
Another big benefit of digital prints is customization and flexibility.
if it turns out there is a spelling or design error on a printed proof, the file can be easily modified before the print run continues.
This is practically impossible for offset print.
Drawbacks:
One drawback of digital printing is that it has a higher cost per page than other traditional offset printing methods, but this price is usually
lesser if compared to the initial cost needed to make printing plates. Here’s the general rule if you are printing larger quantities or larger recurring prints, Offset printing is advisable (You can reach out to us to guide you on which is the best for your project for free)
What has offset Offset printing?
Offset is a commonly used technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface.
Printing Machines that use this printing method include Heidelberg Speed Master,( Up to A1 print Size) Kord,(Max Size A2 size) Sord, 201 ( Max A3 paper size), etc The challenge with offset printing is that it gives very little room for error. The plates are to be created first which takes some time before printing can proceed. This prevents the ability to see a printed proof first (Though feasible with offset, however, it is very costly).
Importance of Offset Printing
Offset printing is a highly cost-effective printing method for large-scale- print runs, such as recurring publications, Product packaging, High quantity Promotional materials etc
Drawbacks:
Offset printing requires much larger runs to justify the creation of the plates. Similarly, it does take some time to produce.
If you’re not sure what printing method is best for your project, why not talk to one of our print experts? Contact:+234 813 548 4157. We’d be more than happy to answer all your printing questions, talk to one of our printing experts today.
