Get On The Digital Train or Get Off The Track, Part 2

Photo Courtesy of: Mollie Kwiek Photography

This blogpost is the second in my series about digital printing and my mission to learn more about it. I thought it might be helpful to review the digital vs. offset question. How do you choose? (Obviously these are just generalizations, as there are always exceptions).

Here is my take on the advantages of each process and a checklist you might want to start with to determine your digital vs. offset direction.

Digital Advantages:

1. Shorter turnaround
2. Lower costs for shorter print runs
3. Availability of variable data printing

Offset Advantages:

1. Higher image quality, higher resolution, no streaks in solid areas (although I understand this is not nearly the problem it once was)
2. Works on a wide range of paper surfaces
3. Unit cost goes down as quantity goes up
4. Quality and cost -effectiveness in the higher volume jobs

Keep in mind that most printers offer both offset and digital capabilities now. So, calling in your favorite print rep for consultation might be the way to begin the process. Or use this checklist to help determine your direction:

Quantity
Offset printing has a front end cost load. Which means short runs may have a high per unit cost. But as quantites increase, the unit cost goes down with offset printing.

Printing Medium
Do you need or want a special paper, finish or unusual printing surface or a unique size? The options are getting better for digital, but offset printing still offers the most flexibility.

Color
Digital presses use four color process printing. If you only need black or one or two ink colors, offset printing may offer a more cost effective solution. If you need four color printing, digital may be better for lower up-front costs.

Pantone
If you're planning to print using the Pantone Matching System, offset printing will give you the best match, since it uses actual Pantone Ink. Digital printing simulates the color using a four-color match process, so some digital printers may offer less accurate color matching on projects.

Turnaround
If you need it fast, digital usually offers quicker delivery.

Proofing
Digital offers more accurate proofs, since what you see is an actual sample of the printed piece, printed using the exact process as the intended run. For offset printing, if you need hard proofs, accurate color proofing can become expensive.

Customization
With the ease of database driven variable data printing, digital printing offers the most affordable way to customize marketing materials, direct mail pieces, letters, etc. with a different name/address or number/code on each printed piece.

Digital printing can be the ideal solution for some people, but offset lithography will almost always yield the superior result in print quality.

In the end, each project will have to be evaluated to find its perfect partner.  Similar to when you are specing paper: be prepared to ask questions, answer questions, and allow your print and paper reps to help you find the best solution for your project.

Did I mention that you now have choices in paper for your digital printing needs? You get to select more than just white, coated (or uncoated paper), when printing digitally. There are digital papers available in colors, finishes, metallics, and pearlescents to make your digital print job stand out from the crowd. New items are being added to that list, almost weekly. Call us for ideas 676-9203, or ask your printing sales rep to check in with us for the latest options!

The time has come to take paper specification back into your own hands. To borrow a tagline from our friends at Domtar Paper, Paper Matters.

Make it matter on your next print job!