Digital printing has brought more options and flexibility compared to traditional offset lithography. Digital printing eliminates printing plates and allows images to be directly fed from a computer to the printer. It has faster turnaround, allows for easy image editing, and is more cost effective for low volume prints. However, offset lithography still provides higher image quality and is better suited for high volume bulk printing. This article explains the key differences between digital and offset printing processes, their advantages and disadvantages.

2. With the advent of digital printing technology, customers now have more
option and flexibility that meets their exact printing needs. It has brought
numerous benefits to both customers as well as commercial digital
printing services. However, traditional method of offset lithography is still
in use, which in many ways is different from digital printing. This has
become a major topic confusion among consumers, regarding which is
better and why!
This article explains practical difference between the modern digital and
traditional offset printing; as well as their application, advantages and
everything in between.

3. Offset Printing
Printing process: It is preferred primarily for bulk printing needs. First,
the required image is burned on a metal plate. It is then treated to attract
ink on the colored area and water on blank area. The roller plates are then
pressed on a rubber blanket; thereby leaving the required image on the
paper. This printing process is called 'offset', because the ink is not printed
directly.

4. Disadvantages of Offset Printing:
 Even for a minor change in the image, a new set of metal plates has
to be prepared.
 To make it cost-effective, printing quantity must be high.
 Significant cost, time and man-power is involved to make the
initial arrangements.
 Turnaround time is longer as ink needs to be dried before
finishing.

5. Advantages of Offset Printing:
 Image quality is top-notch.
 Special or spot inks could be added for effects.
 It can be used on a number of material such as paper, fabric, wood,
metal, leather, plastic etc.
 It is very cost-effective for high volume prints

6. Digital Printing
Printing process: It eliminates the need of printing plates, color proofs or
any other manual process. The prototype can rather be fed directly from a
computer to a digital printer.

7.  Digital prints are vulnerable to marking and scuffing.
 If toner is used, the image may crack when folded and may cause
lamination bubbling.
 Less accurate tints, gradients and large solid areas of color.
 Not efficient for high volume prints.
Disadvantages of Digital Printing:

8.  High image quality.
 Consistency across all prints, as there's no need of balancing ink and
water.
 Customers get more accurate counts and involves less waste.
 Cost per print is high; however, cheaper with low volume prints.
 Images can be edited as many time, as it doesn't require making
printing plates.
Advantages of Digital Printing:

9. Difference in other aspects of printing:
Customization of Images: Digital printing makes it affordable for prints
that are changed frequently. Offset could be very expensive!
Proofing: Digital produces accurate proofs. Whereas for offset, it could be
expensive!
Turnaround: Digital is faster than any other printing methods
Color: Digital is cost-effective for four color printing. For single color
prints, offset is cost-effective

10. Contact Us
Spinnprint
27071 Cabot rd, Suite 124
Laguna Hills Ca 92653
Tel: (800) 544-1006
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