Digital vs Offset

ADVANTAGES OF EACH AND HOW TO DECIDE WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROJECT

• When it comes to printing today, you have several options, but which is best? Well, the reality is that it all depends on the specific requirements of your project whether to go for traditional offset or digital printing. Many jobs simply lend themselves better to digital printing, while others are better for traditional offset printing.

An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of digital printing and how to compare to traditional offset lithography is critical in making the right choice.

• The growth of digital printing technology has brought technical advancements, more options and exciting new features to today’s commercial printing. It’s also brought some confusion.

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OFFSET PRINTING

• Offset lithography is the most common high-volume commercial printing technology in offset printing. The desired image is laser-burned onto a plate and it is then transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. The lithographic process is based on the repulsion of oil and water. The image to be printed gets inked from inking rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.

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DIGITAL PRINTING

• Digital printing eliminates many of the mechanical steps required for conventional printing, including making film, colour proofs and plates. Because there are no plates or setup fees, a small run is relatively inexpensive compared to offset printing. Another advantage of digital printing is that it can be used to individualise print pieces; for example, variable data can be printed on each piece, something that cannot be done on an offset press.

So, which is better?

USE THIS CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU DECIDE:

• Quantity: Very short runs can be much more cost-effective with digital printing, while large quantities are likely to have a lower unit cost with offset printing.

• Paper Stock: Do you need a special paper, finish or unusual printing surface or unique size? The options are continually increasing for digital, but offset printing still offers the most flexibility.

• Colour: If you’re planning to print spot colours, offset printing will give you the best match. Digital printing simulates the colour using 4-colouring matching process.

• Turnaround: If you need it fast, digital usually offers a quicker delivery.

• Proofing: Digital offers accurate proofs since you see an actual sample of the printed piece. Accurate colour proofing for offset printing can be expensive.

• Customisation: Without question, digital printing offers the most affordable way to customise marketing material, direct mail pieces, letters, etc.