Considering that you are a designer who has their work printed for commercial purposes, you are probably aware of the variety of possibilities that are available to you. There are infinite possibilities, ranging from the fine detail of letterpress printing to the production of promotional materials using specialized printing techniques on metal or plastic. You will always have two primary print options available to you, regardless of what you are printing: digital printing and the more classic offset-press printing format.
Although digital and offset printing are completely distinct from one another, each method has its own place in the industry as well as its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Digital printing is the more comfortable alternative for the majority of designers since it takes advantage of the familiarity that comes with using a laser or inkjet printer that they already have in their studio. When compared to digital printing, offset printing can appear to be a technique that is difficult, time-consuming, and reminiscent of the past.
As a result of this, a great number of designers have steered clear of this kind of printing procedure, missing the numerous benefits associated with it. During the process of creating project files for offset printing, designers are prevented from reaping the quality and financial benefits due to the perceived complexity, lack of understanding, and unknown aspects of the process.
This article aims to help you better understand both types of printing by dissecting digital and offset printing and determining which style of printing is more suitable for your project.
Digital Printing
The digital printing technique is rapidly developing and continuously improving. The printing process used by your office printer is virtually exactly the same as that used by commercial printers; the only difference is that commercial printers use a larger scale and have a higher resolution.
For someone who is just starting out, digital printing may appear to be more complicated than offset printing despite the fact that it is a slightly simpler procedure. The technology for digital printing can be broken down into two categories:
Toner-Based Technology
The toner-based printing method creates an image on paper by utilizing a combination of an electrically charged print drum, a regulated laser, and toner, which is a finely colored plastic powder. The image is written by the laser on the surface of the drum, and the toners are responsible for laying the image down on the paper. Immediately after the toner has been applied, the paper is put through a series of scorching rollers that fuse the toner to the surface of the paper.
Inkjet Technology
This technology, based on ink, employs print heads that spray minute droplets of colored ink onto the paper. A heat drying stage is applied to the paper before it is added to the output stack, or it is allowed to dry on its own.
There are more digital printing procedures that can be utilized at the commercial level, such as silk screening and dye sublimation printing; however, these processes are not utilized as frequently as the two processes mentioned above.
Offset Printing
Each print job requires a significant amount of setup time since offset printing is a more difficult and demanding process than other printing methods. This type of printing is an advanced and sophisticated procedure that almost always produces results that are much superior to even the outcomes of the greatest digital printing.
During the procedure, thin sheets of plastic or aluminum, which are referred to as plates, are used to lay down ink. In order to produce a precise final print, each plate is designed to accommodate a particular hue that will be printed.
Because of the technical nature of offset printing, it must be carried out by qualified operators equipped with equipment that is significantly more advanced than what a digital office or home printer could even imagine. The use of offset printing requires designers to have an understanding of the process and to be able to accommodate it. This is accomplished by ensuring that their print layout can be converted into a plate-based press.
In terms of cost, offset printing is more expensive than other printing methods since it requires a setup expense for pre-flighting, plate preparation, press setup, and ink loading for spot color work. Because of this, it is simply not possible to obtain a few printed pages from an offset job without first paying all of those initial charges. After the initial setup is finished, the cost of offset printing begins to decrease, and the price of 1000 copies may be only 5–10% higher than the price of 500 copies.
Identifying the Most Appropriate Printing Method for Your Project
Every printing method, including digital printing and offset printing, has both advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of pros and cons that are simple to understand, which will assist you in determining which print option is most suitable for your project:
Pros of Digital Printing
- The rapid turnaround time makes it an excellent choice for meeting stringent deadlines.
- Instant production for small batches with minimal setup requires little to no preparation.
- It makes it possible to print “variable” names on each sheet, each of which is distinct and identifiable.
The Cons of Using Digital Printing
- A high cost per page that does not diminish with the number of pages purchased.
- There is a restriction on the reproduction quality, particularly for images.
- The sheet sizes are restricted to smaller ones.
- When scored (creased) or folded, printing that is based on toner has the potential to shatter and flake.
- The contrast in “sheen” can be seen between printed and blank regions, particularly on stocks that have not been coated.
The Pros of Offset Printing
- Exceptional printing quality.
- It can withstand coatings, scoring, and folding without any defects.
- Capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes, including big master sheets, with complete ease.
- After the minimum quantities have been reached, the expenses per page are reduced.
Cons of Offset Printing
- Short runs are more expensive due to the cost of setup.
- It is obligatory to ensure that print files are correctly configured for CMYK color, separations, trapping, and other features.
Final Thoughts
Digital printing is better used for short-run production and when a rapid turnaround is required. Although it is a valuable tool for designers’ toolkits and office space, digital printing is best utilized for short-run production. When it comes to everything else, offset printing is the superior option. It offers superior quality, greater print sizes, low page costs, and a far lower price for huge numbers.