Digital Printing VS Offset Printing Explained
When it comes to choosing the right method of printing for your business, you want to make the “right” choice. You’ve heard that digital printing and offset printing work, but which one is better? How do they differ? We’re exploring these two printing methods, how they differ, how they’re alike, so you can make the right choice for the printing method you need. First, let’s define what each means.
What Is Offset Printing?
Offset printing technology uses plates, these are usually made with aluminum, which is used to transfer an image onto a rubber blanket. This allows you to roll that image onto a sheet of paper. It’s referred to as “offset” due to the fact that the ink is not transferred directly onto the paper.
Offset presses are extremely efficient once you have them set up properly. Offset printing is usually a great printing method to use when you need larger quantities of prints. It provides accurate color reproduction, it gives you a clean professional looking print.
What Is Digital Printing?
Digital printing does not involve plates the way offset printing does. Rather, digital printing uses options such as toner (like what is used in laser printers) or larger printers that use liquid ink.
Digital printing is a great choice when you need lower quantities of print. For example, if you just needed 75 flyers or 50 greeting cards, digital printing is a cost effective printing method to use. Another benefit of digital printing is it’s variable data capability. When each piece needs a unique code, name or address, digital is the only way to go. Offset printing cannot accommodate this need. Learn more about digital printing options and capabilities.
What Are The Advantages of Offset Printing:
- Cost effective for large quantities of prints
- Usually cheaper with the more pieces you print
- Has a wide range of paper types and custom finishes you can use
- Does have special custom inks (Metallic and Pantone colors)
- High quality print quality, great detail and color fidelity
While offset printing is a great way to produce great-looking print projects, many businesses or individuals do not need large runs of 500 or more. Due to this, they need a better printing option, which is where digital printing can be the right solution.
What Are The Advantages of Digital Printing:
- Capability to print just what you need
- Low setup costs for short runs
- Lower minimum quantities (Such as 1, 10, 25 or 50 pieces)
- Cost effective black and white digital printing
- Variable data capability (names, addresses, codes or numbering can be done easily)
- Big time technology improvements make digital quality acceptable for many uses
What Printing Method Will Work For You?
There’s no debating it, both digital and offset printing are useful printing methods. Each method has specific benefits depending on exactly what you need to get done.
If you need larger runs for a project, such as (500/1,000/5,000), offset printing would be the way to go. You can also access to a wide variety of custom papers and specialty inks, which may be want you’re looking for.
If you need a small run, such as 100 or less, or need individual addresses or information is required, digital printing is the right solution.
No matter what prints you need or special request, Print Management Group is here to help you achieve success in your printing project.