Learn To Differentiate Offset Printers From Digital Printers By Their Advantages!

Some people may think that there isn't a need to differentiate between different types of printing. Printing is just printing, right? Well, printing is simply the work of transferring good quality images and text onto paper products, just like how we see it on our computer screens. It’s true that it sounds easy, but to get the good quality right, we have to choose the right type of printer for the appropriate purposes.

First things first, what do each type of printing mean?

Firstly, offset printing involves a technology that uses aluminum plates to transfer images and text onto a rubber sheet. This rubber sheet then rolls and transfers the images and text onto paper products. This is called ‘offset’ because the paper does not receive the ink directly from the plates, and instead is transferred by a medium which is the rubber sheet. This is the best choice of printing method when we require large amounts of printing to be done, as it gives you a precise replication of colour and sharp, neat and clean looking printing which does not look smudged and dull.

Next, let us look at digital printing. Digital printing, instead of using plates like offset printing, uses other tools like toners or liquid ink. This type of printing is suitable for smaller quantities of printing which can be stated by an example of let’s say 100 brochures. Digital printing also works to our favour when we have to do something called variable data printing. This means that if each print out has to have a different name or address etc, we will not benefit from the standard plate mechanism that offset printing offers.

Now let us look at the determinant factors for the individual advantages and disadvantages of each type of printing, and decide when each type of printing would come in handy.

Quantity

As mentioned before, smaller quantities benefit better with digital printing, and larger quantities are better served with offset printing. The standard plate mechanism allows numerous copies of the same image or document to be churned out at a fast rate. However, when small modifications are needed to be made per piece, then the specific mechanism of digital printing would help.

For digital printing, the minimum printing quantities are very low. This can range from 1 copy to 20 copies or 50 copies. However, as mentioned before, it is cheaper to run an offset printing service with mass printing business and it is cheaper to print huge numbers on offset printing as well. So, their minimum numbers will be nowhere as low as the digital printing services. Choose wisely, according to the amount you have to print.

Set up costs for the seller

If you are running a printing service or are in charge of the printing job in offices or schools, then note that the start up capital for these two forms of printing varies. It is cheaper to set up a digital printing service but that is only for the short run. Although it costs slightly more to set up a service with offset printers, it is more cost efficient in the long run and over time, it saves you money. Long term businesses with digital printing usually do not turn out to be cost effective due to it being over-specified.

Individual cost for printing 

For the consumers, printing costs also vary for each type of printing. For digital printing, the black and white printing especially, it is very affordable. This works for both small quantities and big quantities proportionately. However, for offset printing, the price per copy is cheaper as the quantity you print goes up. It would be cheaper to print jobs with smaller numbers with digital printing, and jobs with mass printing needs with offset printing.

For the consumers, printing costs also vary for each type of printing. For digital printing, the black and white printing especially, it is very affordable. This works for both small quantities and big quantities proportionately. However, for offset printing, the price per copy is cheaper as the quantity you print goes up. It would be cheaper to print jobs with smaller numbers with digital printing, and jobs with mass printing needs with offset printing.

Customising according to different needs and preferences

When we have an event or a printing assignment to complete, different tasks are going to have different specific requirements. These requirements have to be taken into consideration for you to decide which type of printing would be better suitable in aiding your printing needs. For example, digital printing will allow you to print the amount of products required, when you need it, and it does not put you under the obligation to commit to a fixed number of copies right away. Whereas, offset printing allows you to choose custom finishes.

Don't look at just quantity, but focus on quality

Offset printing gives you the highest possible quality in the printing industry. It also has special custom inks in service like metallic inks and Pantone colours now available. Digital printing has been having some recent advances in technology which is making it more acceptable, however if you are looking for a professional quality printing which looks expensive and classy, your answer should always be found in offset printing.