If you’re a business owner and you have printing projects due, you may be wondering what type of printing method you should use. If you’re familiar with printing, you’ve likely already thought about Digital Printing vs Offset Printing, after all, these are two of the most common printing methods used today.
Two of the most common recommended printing methods is offset printing and digital printing. Traditional offset printing is a print method that uses aluminum plates to transfer ink onto a rubber sheet (this is usually called the “blanket”) From there, the image is rolled onto the printing surface. This printing method is considered “offset” because the ink is not transferred to the paper directly.
Offset printing is usually the best option when printing large quantities. Although there is a significant initial cost to set-up the equipment, additional units become relatively less expensive as the quantity of prints increase.
With digital printing, ink is transferred directly onto the surface. Instead of needing aluminum plates and rubber blankets to transfer an image, digital printing uses liquid ink during the production. Traditional home inkjet printers are one of the most common digital printing methods.
Digital printing needs no manual setup. This printing method is effective for use with smaller quantity runs. In fact, it is far more cost-effective than offset printing for low volume projects.
Since no set-up is needed, digital printing is a quick process, capable of completing projects on short notice or finishing a job when a deadline is quickly approaching. Digital printing also offers a wide range of customizations to fit your needs.
Digital Printing VS Offset Printing
- Quickest Turnaround Time – Digital Printing
- Most Accurate Color Match – Offset Printing
- Cost Effective For Small Runs – Digital Printing
- Cost Effective For Large Runs – Offset Printing
- Easy Proofing – Digital Printing
- Ink Diversity – Offset Printing
- Diversity Of Printing Services – Offset Printing
- Single Unit Customizations – Digital Printing
In Closing
While traditional offset printing and digital printing are both extremely useful methods, each one of these printing methods has their own specific advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the decision you make regarding your printing process will depend on the fine details of your printing project.
You can use the chart above to determine if offset printing would be better or digital printing.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach our Nashville printing company during regular hours by calling (615) 889-1200.
If you’re ready to get quote for your project, just click here.