We get a lot of people who ask about the difference between”offset printing” and “digital printing”. So, here is a quick rundown of each, some of the advantages of both, and how to know which is right for your project:
OFFSET PRINTING, also referred to as offset lithography, is used by the majority of commercial printers. It is called “offset”, because the ink is not directly pressed onto the paper. Instead, it is distributed from a metal plate to a rubber mat where it is then set onto the paper.
Advantages of Offset Printing
- High image quality.
- Works on a wide range of printing surfaces (textured paper, plastic, 2-part/3-part carbonless paper, etc.) and can easily print odd paper sizes.
- The unit cost goes down as the quantity goes up.
DIGITAL PRINTING is the process in which data and images are printed directly from a computer onto paper, including those developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers.
Advantages of Digital Printing:
- Shorter turnaround.
- Cheaper low volume printing. While the unit cost of each piece may be higher than with offset printing, when setup costs are included, digital printing provides small print jobs with lower per unit costs.
Which printing method is right for me?
- Quantity. If you are needing a high quantity print job than offset printing will provide you with the lowest cost per unit. Small print job? Then digital printing would be your best choice.
- Printing medium. Do you need or want a special paper (linen, laid, carbonless, etc.) or unique size? Offset printing will offer you the most flexibility.
- Color. If you need full color (or four color process), digital printing will offer you the best price. Only need black ink or one or two ink colors? Then offset printing may offer a more cost-effective solution.
- Spot Color Printing. If you’re planning to print using the Pantone® Matching System, offset printing will give you the best match since it uses actual Pantone® ink. Digital printing is able to simulate the color using a four-color matching process, but may vary slightly in shade or hue due to different printer settings.
- Turnaround. If you need your print job fast, digital printing will usually offer you the quickest turnaround since ink does not need to dry.
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