Digital and offset printing both offer many advantages and disadvantages. These two printing methods often differ in price, quality, turnaround time, and other factors. One method may benefit the needs of your business more than the other. So, which one is right for you? Learn more about offset vs. digital printing here.
Digital Printing:
This is a type of electronic printing that prints with toner or liquid ink using a laser to apply text and images. Ideal for smaller projects, digital printing is used with software that sends digital files to a laser and/or inkjet printer, which then transfers them to paper. Here is more information about digital printing:
- Today, the quality of this technology is constantly advancing and becoming more professional looking.
- Turnaround time is usually faster, which is better for more deadline-oriented projects. This is partly because setup is easier and does not require creating plates.
- It’s more cost-effective for smaller projects and allows you to print what you want, when you want, from a handful of flyers announcing an event to an invitation going out to 30 people.
- Costs are especially low if you’re just printing in black and white. Color ink cartridges tend to be pricier.
- Variable data allows for different images and texts to appear on each page as needed. An example of this would be customizing marketing materials with names and addresses.
Offset Printing:
Offset printers are better suited for printing projects of a larger scale because they operate faster than digital printers. This printing method involves an image being transferred onto metal plates that are then transferred onto rubber blankets (also known as rollers). The rubber blankets then roll the image onto the piece of paper. It’s called “offset” because unlike digital printing, the image is not applied directly onto paper. Offset printing creates sharp images and can produce thousands of pages in shorter periods of time, which is why it’s popular for larger projects. Here’s a little more about it:
- This is the most cost-effective method for bigger print runs like printing thousands of identical brochures. The more you print, the lower the cost per unit.
- You have more flexibility with printing materials, types of paper, and finishes. In fact, some offset presses can print on materials like plastic, wood, and metal.
- The overall quality is superior to digital printing; higher resolution, crisper images, and sharper colors are just a few of the visible benefits.
Do You Have Questions Regarding Offset vs. Digital Printing?
If you have printing requirements for your business, contact the experts at Disc Hounds with any any inquiries. Call us today at 610-696-8668 for more information about our printing services and how we can help you.