Offset printing and digital printing are two different printing methods. It is important to understand the difference between the two so you can make the right choice for your project.
What is offset printing?
Offset printing utilises plates, which tend to be made from aluminum. Instead of rolling an image onto a sheet of paper, these plates will transfer an image onto a rubber ‘blanket.’ This is where the term ‘offset’ comes from; because the ink is not directly transferred to the paper. This makes offset printing a good choice for bulk printing requirements.
The advantages of offset printing:
Highest possible printing quality
Special custom inks available
Large variation of paper types can be used
Becomes cheaper the more you print
Suitable for cost-effective large quantity printing
What is digital printing?
Digital printing equipment manufacturers offer a different solution. Rather than using plates, they use solutions like a toner, such as those found in bigger printers that do not use liquid ink and laser printers. Most people prefer digital printing when they are printing smaller, high-quality quantities.
The advantages of digital printing:
Improved technology has resulted in big quality improvements
Variable data capability
Inexpensive black and white digital printing
Lower minimum quantities
Print only the amount you need, when you need it
Set-up costs are lower for short runs
Hopefully, you can now understand the difference between the two options so that you can make the right choice for your next project.
