These two definitions are different from each other. The former describes the technology that enables printing while the latter is all about a specific printing process. Nevertheless, what unifies them both is the word digital which propels today’s trends.

Defining Digital Printing

When we say digital, we find it synonymous to computers or sophisticated technology. In printing, it could very well involve those two ideas at the same. Almost all commercial printing companies operate through or with computers, that makes it digital printing.

At the same time, there is a printing process called digital printing wherein films or plates are even eliminated in the process. Images or design are directly printed unto the paper or card stock without the mechanical processes.

By these mechanical processes, it implies a series of steps or processes commonly involved in printing. Yet, these are hardly mechanical or outdated since today’s technology have made these more efficient and productive.

Nevertheless, with digital printing, these steps are done away with. So there isn’t any color separation and the like involved, except perhaps finishing.

When to Choose Digital Printing

Not too many people know the difference between digital printing as against other form of printing processes. By digital printing, again we mean printing directly unto the paper without plates. Logically, the information that we most need is how we can print our designs or images in high quality.

Digital printing can produce high-quality print materials, be it for business documents, marketing or advertising materials, and all sorts of literature. However, like most things, digital printing has its advantages and disadvantages.

These following categories with provide you with an insight on when to use digital printing and how it will prove useful to you.

Turnaround Time

Digital printing, since it does not require any plates or color separation processes, can proceed to printing immediately. Therefore the turnaround time is shorter. There are print products with next day turnaround time so you can have your prints sooner than you think.

Compared to offset printing, certain jobs still require a much longer turnaround time or production time. This would prove especially true for multi-page documents But with the innovations in printing today, even the turnaround time for certain offset print products can only take 2 business days.

Popularly, business cards, flyers, brochures and even postcards only take about 2 days to be produced.

Cost-Effectiveness

Digital printing is much more costly than offset printing. This is because even with the series of steps removed, the printing machine itself is costly. More than this, it can consume a lot amount of ink since it is directly sprayed unto the paper.

Offset printing is the most practical and economical choice for printing. Most offset printing jobs are run with other printing projects, which makes it cheaper. Other than this, the inks are rolled and transferred unto the paper, which makes it more economical.

Quality

Digital printing gives out high-quality, high-resolution prints like offset printing. However, digitally printed products are more prone to cracking or peeling since the layers of ink are thick.

A digital printing company can give you a variety of option. Digital printing, on one hand, can also bring about great potentials for printing. However, you should consider these three factors when deciding which printing process to use. After all, printing is not just about getting the best print quality and material, it is about getting all of these at the most reasonable price.