Digital printing is where images are printed directly onto various media substrates, not using plates like offset. Instead, digital printing sprays CMYK colors using toner or liquid ink. This style is best for items requiring high amounts of detail and smaller orders.
Another benefit of digital printing is its Variable Data Printing capability. When each piece needs a unique code, name, or address, digital is the way to go. While offset printing is a fantastic way to produce great-looking print projects, large-quantity runs are often unnecessary, making digital printing the best solution.
Examples of Digital Printing
- Full color (CMYK): Various design possibilities with full color and graduation print
- Stationary (business cards and letterhead)
- Custom print projects
- Marketing and promotional items (brochures, flyers, folders)
- Books, newsletters, magazines
Advantages of Digital Printing
- High quality: Digital offers impressive quality and consistency over other options. Colors show up perfectly on prints, with no color matching needed. With digital printing, the quality of the last piece is the same as the first.
- Timeliness: There are fewer steps in the printing process, making the process quicker.
- Cost-effective: Because digital printers don’t use printing plates, there is less investment in setting up jobs.
- Short runs: Digital printing is the ideal method of producing short to medium print runs compared to traditional methods. Print only the amount you need when you need it.
- Customization: The most affordable solution to customize marketing and direct mail pieces.
- Variable Data Printing: Digital printing allows elements such as text (unique names, addresses, codes, numbering), graphics, and images to be changed from one printed piece to the next without stopping or slowing down the printing process.
- Sequential numbering: Printing identification numbers in ascending or descending order so each printed unit receives a unique number. This method is used on invoices, purchase orders, checks, raffle tickets, contest entries, or virtually any printed item that needs unique identification.
Specialty Digital Printing Options
- Metallic foil – Heighten impact and creativity with gold or silver foil to emphasize your design.
- Dimensional clear – Clear dimensional coating gives specific text and images a raised or 3D effect. Dimensional clear can be printed as a flat or textured coating.
- Spot gloss – Utilize gloss effects in strategic places on your design to add impact and extend the life of the print.