Difference Between Digital and Offset Printing

Offset and Digital Printing are two important methods for design projects. There are many differences between Digital and offset printing. First, we should know about them, and then, the differences.

What is Offset Printing?

This is a print method that uses aluminum plates which transfers ink on to a rubber sheet known as a blanket. The image is then, rolled on to a printing surface. This is considered as ''offset'' as the ink is not transferred to the paper directly. This is considered as the best printing method, when printing large quantities. It allows for a wide range of printing materials to be used, during production. It allows the printer to use paper types, custom finishes and paper inks.

What is Digital Offset Printing?

Ink is transferred directly on to the surface. Digital Printing uses liquid ink, during production. It requires no manual setup. It is effective for smaller quality runs and more effective than offset printing for smaller projects.

It can complete projects in short duration, or finishing project with tight deadlines.

Offset Versus Digital Printing and the Benefits of Digital Printing

Colour Matching: When uses digital, or printing offset, critical decisions and processes are involved in colour matching. The colour matching of digital printing is easier, due to colours and pigments not used in digital printing.

Versatility: Digital printing offers the most cost- effective solution because printing labels, packaging, signage and promotion can be printed quickly and cost –effectively through digital printing. It also supports delivery in time.

Handling Flaws: Errors in printing are unavoidable in certain circumstances. This becomes important in long- run critical orders. Misspellings, omissions, and corrections can be easily corrected with digital printing.

Customization and Personalization

Single unit customization, or personalization is one of the biggest demands of modern printing. Digital printing offers personalized services to customers.

More Choice of Substrates

If you have chosen digital printing, you can choose a large number of substrates. They are part of 30% of the job. In digital printing, the cost of the substrate is less which makes digital printing easier.

Cost of Equipment

Thermal inkjet is the cheapest source of energy, and offered the lowest cost of entry and exit. People using offset printing can maximize the advantages of both analog and digital printing. 

 How to choose Between Digital and Offset Press

Price: Digital printing is way more cost- effective, since price/ click is lower than the setup associated with offset printing. It works better with variable data. Books/ magazines can be printed at a very less cost, as compared to offset printing.

Offset Printing: If a print run is 2000 pieces, then, offset printing is more cost- effective. When there are less number of originals, and the costs are less. Offset printing also works well for items that do not need to be bound, or collated.

Quality: Digital printing has advanced over the years, and some prefer the vibrant look of digital colour. However, pieces folded using digital printing may crack too, when printed on weight stocks.

Offset Printing: The traditional method is a higher quality option for heavy solid coverage, or shaded areas.

Colour

Digital Printing: Full colour digital presses can produce many kinds of colours by applying combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

However, for certain packages such as printing on luxury boxes with a high set up cost for production, you might as well choose offset printing to get the best quality possible.

Paperboard Packaging requires offset for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and small retail packaging. Offset printing provides a vivid and clearer printing output for smaller texts and designs. This has more coating options which are not available with regards to digital printing.

Prototyping with Digital and Offset Printing

Prototyping with offset printing is possible, but with way more cost. Digital printing can create packing prototypes and using prototype for the production process is a cost effective way to maintain good printing opportunities.

Both digital and offset printing have their flaws and weaknesses which make them suitable for printing needs. Digital printing is a modern efficient method ideal for short runs of printing, quick turnarounds and printing in a personalised manner. Offset printing is a traditional printing technique which is important for its great image quality, colour accuracy and cost efficiency in high volume printing. It uses materials such as plates and rubber blankets to transfer ink to paper.

If you wish to choose between digital and offset printing, you need to take account of your budget, quality, turnaround time. If you need to print small batches of paper, then, digital printing is a great option for you. But, if you need large quantities of materials, then offset printing would work better and in a cost- effective manner.

Understanding key differences between them make businesses and individuals work in a smarter, efficient manner ensuring the balance between cost, efficiency and quality for specific printing needs.