digital
PRINTING
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is the ideal way to produce short-run leaflets, newsletters and stationery, such as letterheads, business cards and compliment slips. It is also a fantastic way to produce presentations, data sheets, training and reference manuals, instruction booklets, books, manual covers, inserts and tabs, transparencies and so much more.
Digital printing is the perfect choice for short run jobs and personalised mail shots.
Digital vs offset printing
What's the real difference, and does it matter?
So what’s the distinction between digital and offset printing? Printing is printing, right? Not exactly…Let’s take a look at these two printing methods and their differences, where it makes sense to choose one or the other for your next print project.
Offset printing
Offset printing technology uses plates which are used to transfer an image on to a rubber “blanket” and then rolling that image on to a sheet of paper. It is called offset because the ink is not transferred directly on to the paper. Offset printing is the best choice when larger quantities are needed as it provides accurate colour reproduction, crisp, clean and professional looking printing.
Digital printing
Digital printing doesn’t use plates the way offset does. Instead it uses toner, like in laser printers. Where digital printing shines, is where lower quantities are needed, say a run of 20 greeting cards or 100 flyers. Another major benefit of digital printing is its variable data capability. If each piece needs a unique code, name or address, digital printing is the only way to go.
Whilst offset printing is a fantastic way to produce great-looking print projects, many businesses do not need large runs of 500 or more, so digital printing is the best solution.
Is digital printing the right fit for my next print project?
Each method has particular benefits depending on your project’s requirements. Larger runs of a project, in to the hundreds or thousands, or using a specific, brand-centric Pantone colour, offset printing is the way to go. There is a much wider variety of custom papers and specialty inks, such as metallic or fluorescent, which are only suitable in the offset process.
For a small run of less than 100, or the need for individual addresses or information that is required, digital is your solution. As a business your needs can be met with either of these choices. The high-level of quality means you get a printed product that will make you look great!
Advantages of offset printing:
- Large quantities can be printed cost effectively.
- The more you print, the cheaper the price per piece.
- A large variety of paper types with custom finishes can be used.
- Special custom inks such as metallic and Pantone colours are available.
- Highest possible printing quality, with greater detail and colour fidelity.
Advantages of digital printing:
- Setup costs are lower for short runs.
- Print only the amount you need and when you need it.
- Lower minimum quantities (such as low as 1, 20 or 50 pieces).
- Variable data capability (names, addresses, codes or numbering can be done easily).
- Improved technology has made digital quality acceptable for more uses.
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Committed to sustainability
We’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment. From innovative packaging and sourcing carbon-neutral and eco-friendly papers to minimising and recycling our waste, we’re dedicated to doing good for our planet.
We can offer clients options to print on part or 100% recycled papers, both coated and uncoated.
Since upgrading our equipment, going from computer to plate has reduced our chemical usage by over 95%
Through recycling, we minimise the impact we have on the environment. Waste paper is collected and recycled.
We can offer clients printing with vegetable based inks. These inks use vegetable oil instead of mineral oil. In contrast, vegetable oils are derived from renewable resources and also benefit the environment due to greater ease of removal from waste paper during de-inking for recycling.