The two main options for printing are digital and lithographic, with digital printing being the far more popular option. This is probably because the advantages of digital printing have been recognized far more over the years. With excellent quality and turnaround time, digital printing is probably the way to go for you…
The main reason people tend to go for digital printing is the speediness of the process, with lithographic printing proving to be a much longer slog. Otherwise know as ‘offset printing’, lithographic printing takes longer because the images and text is first embedded onto a plate, before being transferred to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface. This process is far more costly due to use of oil and water but produces fantastic results. If you have a larger budget when choosing the method to use for your advertising means then lithographic printing may be the way forward, however for many of us, it’s all about tightening the purse strings, not loosening them.
With digital printing, a lot of the steps used for litho printing are cut out and the process is kept relatively straight forward. Straight forward does not necessarily mean ‘basic’, with the most modern technology still being incorporated. Once the appropriate files have been prepared, you can then RIP the components to produce a bitmap. The bitmap is then sent electronically to the digital printer ready for output.
Alot of people still think that digital printing requires no human input, but in Colprint’s case, this is untrue. Once the file has finished the RIP process, Colprint then copy the file to press and one of our printing specialists selects the paper script having physically loaded it onto the machine. A proof is then carried out for quality, assuming this will be approved the job is run, packed and distributed to the customer.
Digital Printing has a number of different benefits compared to litho printing which we will now explore:
- Shorter turnover time - this allows for a quicker process and in turn allows your business to function faster and more smoothly when it matters the most.
- Economically friendly - because less sheets are used during set-up, there is less waste
- Cost effectiveness - digital printing is generally a lot cheaper than litho printing due to the work that has to go into each litho printing job
- Quality - this method of printing has been widely recognized around the globe and offers a similar quality to that of litho printing. (Colprint use the highest quality digital presses to ensure there is no sacrifice in quality when providing our customers with marketing materials).
- Variable Data Printing - this form of printing is customised based on digital printing. Using external files from a database you can change the information on each piece without stopping or slowing down the press. For example, you can personalise individual pieces with different names, logos or addresses, giving you more flexibility when it comes to producing your specific marketing materials.
- Precise Proofs - digital printing offers you the opportunity to see an actual sample of the printed piece which can often be difficult during the litho printing process. Seeing samples is also cheaper than litho printing as the plates have to be prepared to create a ‘wet’ proof.
If digital printing seems like it would be a good option for you and your business when it comes to producing marketing materials in a cost effective manner with quality results, then please feel free to get into Colprint today. If you have any queries or questions our professional team are always on hand to answer any questions and give you any advice that you may need.
Thanks for reading our latest blog - we hope this has been a good insight for you!
