Let’s watch at the differences between these two printing techniques and when it makes sense to select one over the other for your next print job.
What is Offset Printing and How Does It Work?
Plates, generally constructed of metal, are used to transfer an image onto a rubber “blanket,” which is subsequently rolled onto a sheet of paper in the offset printing process. Because the ink isn’t deposited directly onto the paper, it’s termed offset printing. Offset printing is the greatest choice for bigger volumes since offset presses operate so efficiently once, they’re set up, and it produces accurate color reproduction and crisp, clean professional-looking printing.
What is Digital Printing and How Does It Work?
Digital printing, unlike offset printing, does not utilize plates and rather depends on toner (as in laser printers) or massive printers that utilize liquid ink. Think of a run of 20 greeting cards or 100 flyers as an example of where digital printing excels. Another advantage of digital printing is the capacity to print with varied data. Digital is the only way to proceed when each component requires a unique identifier, name, or location. This is a prerequisite that offset printing cannot relay. Learn more about the many types of digital printing and their possibilities. While offset printing is an excellent way to generate high-quality print projects, many organizations and individuals do not require big print runs of 500 or more, and digital printing is the best option.
An important factor of printing:
For high-volume runs, offset printing is the best option. Because offset printing has greater upfront expenses, small runs will cost more per unit than digital printing. Digital print processes are suitable for short runs. Digital printing eliminates a lot of the setup and maintenance that offset printing requires. Because offset printing does not allow for custom print soap boxes, custom candy boxes digital printing is the only option. Variable data, such as names or addresses, may be printed on each piece using digital print processes without having to halt or slow down the operation. Offset printing will offer a precise match if the print piece requires the usage of the Pantone Matching System. The Pantone color cannot be completely matched with digital printing; however, it is possible to obtain very near to desired hues.
The Benefits of Digital Printing are as follows:
Changes to Future Batches are Possible
One of the biggest advantages of short-run printing is that you may make modifications between batches and have proofs quickly for your approval. Many papers that have been published must be updated over time. If you choose offset printing, you won’t be able to make such changes simply in the future. When it comes to batch alterations, short-run digital printing is the most convenient alternative.
These are only a handful of the major benefits of short-run printing. Many of our clients prefer short-run digital printing because it provides speed, affordability, ease, and precision while also being suitable for a wide range of printed products.
The Ability to Change efficient Turnaround
A short-run digital print project may be completed in as little as 24 hours and as long as 48 hours. If you need print materials for a forthcoming event or are out of business cards, short-run digital printing is an excellent alternative. Short-run printing is faster than offset printing since it relies on digital technology and publishing software rather than the time-consuming process of custom plating. Short-run digital printing is a wonderful alternative for generating postcards, business cards, tri-folds, and posters rapidly and correctly.
Exceptional Quality
Don’t assume that while digital printing is more convenient, it creates lower-quality materials than offset printing. In reality, digital quality is usually on par with that generated by traditional offset printing methods. Printing goods for custom packaging are remarkably detailed and vivid may be produced using digital presses.
The Benefits of Offset Printing are as follows:
For each project, high-definition quality is essential.
You can always expect a high-quality printed image with offset printing. There are fewer wasted prints and contrast difficulties since the printer operator may manage the ink flow across four-color plates. As a consequence, each item will have immaculate pictures.
Low-cost and quick-turnaround services are available.
A few more steps are added to the initial set-up procedure to ensure consistency and efficiency when printing high-volume orders. For higher-volume picture printing, the image quality is greater, and the overall cost is a function of the volume desired. Simply, the more parts you require, the lower the per-piece cost.
Efficient printing plates save time and money.
The custom metal plates designed for your project are made quickly and affordably. The graphics are transferred directly to the metal plate via a precise computer procedure, with each plate capable of a million imprints. The print medium never comes into contact with the metal, increasing the plate’s life.
Offset vs. Digital Printing: Which Printing Technology Should You Use?
The way the pictures are transmitted onto the paper is the technical difference between the two printing processes (offset printing vs. digital printing). This discrepancy has an impact on the cost economics of operating digital printers’ gear, and this cost difference is passed on to the printing client.
Etched metal plates are used in offset printing to apply ink to a sheet of paper. Offset printing requires a lot more time and money to set up than digital printing. The metal plates must be engraved and placed on the rollers that transfer the ink directly onto the paper. Digital printing is the ideal solution if you only need a few copies printed. When printing in larger quantities, offset printing makes more sense and is more cost-effective. Smaller runs may also be completed quickly using a digital printer because the setup time is greatly reduced. Depending on the workload and amount required, this strategy may result in a faster turnaround. Businesses who print in large quantities and do not update their material regularly, on the other hand, choose offset printing.