OFFSET VS DIGITAL PRINTING
DIGITAL PRINTING
When digital printing, your artwork is sent directly to the digital printer where it is RIPped (Raster Image Processing). Meaning, it converts it into something it can understand. The printer then uses static electricity to attract the perfect amount of color toner to the paper. It then sends it through the fuser where the paper and toner are bonded together.
OFFSET
PRINTING
When offset printing, your artwork is burned onto metal plates. These plates take on ink and presses it onto a rubber roller, thereby transferring the printed image. The rubber roller then presses against paper, giving you your final print. It is called ‘Offset printing’ because the printed image is first ‘Offset’ to the rubber roller before it hits the final piece.
QUANTITY
DIGITAL
Digital printing is ideal for low volume printing
OFFSET
Offset Printing is ideal for large volume printing.
SIZE
DIGITAL
Digital printing is great for smaller sized pieces. The largest size we run on via our digital presses is 13″x19″
OFFSET
With offset printing we are able to run much bigger sheet sizes. The largest size we run on via our offset presses is 20″x26″
VARIABLE DATA
DIGITAL
Digital printing is best for customization
of each individual piece such as
names, numbers or addresses.
OFFSET
Offset Printing is limited to what is
burned on the plate. Every printed
piece will be the same.
PRICE
DIGITAL
Digital printing is cheaper for smaller runs, but gets very expensive for high volume runs. This is due to it’s easy setup and fixed cost per print.
OFFSET
Offset printing is more expensive because of the setup and manpower involved but prices go down drastically as volume goes up.
There is no clear winner in pricing comparing offset vs digital printing. The price of each is dependent upon the volume of printing.
QUALITY
DIGITAL
Digital presses are capable of high-quality prints, but depending on the artwork may have issues with color consistency. Digital Printers are not meant for color critical jobs.
OFFSET
Offset printing produces a sharp, clean and consistent high-quality image. If you are looking for the best print possible on a medium to high volume run; offset is the way to go!
PANTONE®
DIGITAL
Digital Presses are able to get in the ‘ballpark’ of a Pantone® Color, but it will never be perfect.
OFFSET
Offset Presses can print any and all Pantone® Color and every piece will be consistent.
TURNAROUND
DIGITAL
Digital Printing has a fast turnaround time because of the easier setup process.
OFFSET
Offset printing takes longer to print because of the extra setup and processes involved.
INK
DIGITAL
Digital Printing uses fuser fluids with heat process (toner) or UV curing process (ink). Ink instantly dries.
OFFSET
Offset printing uses ink that are viscous or thick. Due to the nature of the ink, it takes time to dry.
PROOFING
DIGITAL
Digital Proofs is actually a print of the artwork. It will look exactly like the final piece.
OFFSET
We offer Offset printing proofs for color–critical runs.
Additional Charges May Apply.
POPULAR PRODUCTS
DIGITAL
Digital is often best for letterheads, postcards, tickets and stickers.
OFFSET
Offset is often best for books, magazines and posters.