What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?

What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing? Printing is printing, right? Not exactly… Let’s take a look at these two printing methods, their differences, and where it makes sense to use one or the other for your next print project.

What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing technology uses plates, usually made from aluminum, which are used to transfer an image onto a rubber “blanket”, and then rolling that image onto a piece of paper. This is called offset because the color is not transferred directly to the paper. Because offset presses are very efficient once installed, offset printing is the best choice when larger quantities are required, and provides accurate color reproduction, and crisp, clean professional looking printing.

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing does not use plates the way offset does, but instead uses options such as toner (like laser printers) or larger printers that use liquid ink. Digital printing is efficient when lower quantities are needed. Another benefit of digital printing is it’s variable data capability. When each piece needs different contents or images, digital is the only way to go. Offset printing cannot accommodate this need.

While offset printing is a wonderful way to produce great-looking print projects, many businesses or individuals do not need large runs, and the best solution is digital printing.

What are the Advantages of Digital Printing?

1, Ability to make small print runs (as low as 1, 20 or 50 pieces)

2, Installation costs are lower for small runs

3, Possibility to use variable data (contents or images can be different)

4, Inexpensive black and white digital printing

5, Improved technology has made digital quality acceptable for more applications

What are the Advantages of Offset Printing?

1, Large print runs can be printed cost effectively

2, The more you print, the cheaper the unit price

3, Special custom inks are available, such as metallic and Pantone colors

4, Highest possible print quality with greater detail and color accuracy

If you’re not sure what printing method is best for your project of fabric, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to answer all your printing questions!