Digital print is now one of the most popular printing methods. It boasts a range of benefits and that’s why businesses are now choosing to use this form of printing. It makes it possible to print in a wide range of sizes and colours. It is a modern form of printing that prints from electronic files. This makes it possible to print onto a range of materials and it is an alternative to the likes of litho, gravure and letterpress. This form of printing removes a lot of the processes involved with conventional printing and that’s why the advantages of digital printing have to be understood.
How Does Digital Printing work?
Digital printing is a faster and more efficient way of printing and that is why it is now chosen over traditional printing. The method involves using digital files that are sent to the printer in a certain format such as PDF, TIFF and PSD. It is likely to be the right choice of printing if you are looking for a high level of detail and smaller quantity orders although it can be used to print in bulk. This technology does not include the same processes as traditional printing such as the pre-press stages and there are no photo chemicals involved either.
As the name suggests, digital printing involves using digital images that consist of high quality and these are then printed on a range of materials. So, digital printing will follow these steps:
- The digital file will be prepared so that it is sharp and clean with a high enough resolution for the size of the required print.
- There is also a need for crop marks and bleed which are added. Crop marks are lines that are added to the corner of the print job. After trimming the bleed, the crop marks make sure that there are no unprinted edges in the final trimmed document.
- The next step is an imposition and this involves making sure that as much of the paper is used during the print as this will help to reduce waste and ensure that the job is more efficient.
- Prior to being sent to the printer, the digital file will be converted into a different format which is known as taster image files or bitmaps.
- The file is then sent to the printer where it is printed onto the chosen material.
Top Advantages of Digital Printing For Businesses
1. Personalised Print Jobs Are Possible
The technology involved in digital printing means that it’s possible to take advantage of personalised print jobs. This is perfect for any business that wants to create tailored prints for specific uses such as mail campaigns. This level of personalisation is possible as the images can be altered and customised before they are sent to the printer and that will result in a quality print that stands out.
2. Cost-effective
The lack of setup and the level of customisation makes this level of printing cost-effective. There is no lengthy preparation involved on the likes of printing plates or colour matching. Everything is handled in one single process and that means that there are few man-hours involved in digital printing. This is one of the biggest advantages of digital printing.
Digital printing also reduces waste and ensures that printing materials are maximised so more is used.
3. Timeliness
This technology is ideal for those who are looking to print to tight deadlines. A business might require a quick turnaround on printed materials such as retail display units. However, what this form of printing offers is speed. This is because other methods involve many different processes, all of which takes time. So, digital printing has very little setup and manual intervention. In some instances, it is possible to turn jobs around in a matter of days and even 24 hours. Once the image file has been edited, it can be sent directly to the printer which is one of the main advantages of digital.
4. High-Quality
When it comes to printing, quality is key because every business will want to display its message or logo on packaging or displays as clearly as possible. Fortunately, digital printing technology makes it possible to achieve high-quality printing that comes in vivid colours and gradation. It has the perfect registration of colours and it is the only form of printing that offers this. This means that colours are vibrant and crystal clear which makes it possible for every business to benefit. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply the likes of glossy finishes or embossed effects that give the design a unique finish.
5. Digital Printing Offers Versatility
The likes of indigo digital technology make it possible to print on thousands of certified substrates. This includes metallics, synthetics and darks. So, regardless of whether your needs are complex or simple, digital printing provides exceptional versatility that makes it suitable for a wide range of print jobs.
6. More Choices In Materials
Digital print is widely used on a range of items such as posters and even outdoor signage. This is made possible because of the way in which substrates don’t need to be held in place as firmly as other printing methods. Digital flatbed printers can print onto materials as thick as 50mm. This provides access to applications that other print processes cannot compete with. Essentially, you can print onto almost any material and that offers a high level of versatility.
7. More Choices When It Comes To Ink Colour
A huge range of colours is now being used from across the spectrum. Older methods were limited to certain colours but digital printing makes it possible to mix inks and with that comes a huge range of possibilities. This means that it’s possible to print almost any colour and with that comes plenty of choices!
Each print will be matched to the colours that you see on the screen. This offers an exceptional level of control over the final finish and ensures that the print accurately reflects the image.
8. Printing As And When You Need It
Not every business requires regular printing but digital printing makes it possible to print as and when you need it. You might want a one-off job or you might want to print in low qualities but whatever your needs, digital printing makes it possible. There is a lack of set up which speeds up the process and there is rarely a minimum number of prints required by printers. This means that you are not likely to be charged more for a couple of prints or a short print run.
How To Choose Professional Digital Printers?
There are several considerations to make when choosing a professional printing company. It’s important that you compare costs as this will enable you to find a company that fits your budget. Browse their range of digital printing services. However, there is more as you should ask to look at their work and the quality because paying less might mean that you compromise on quality. Customer service and support are also important because you want to choose a company that takes care of you and your needs. Finally, experience and knowledge go a long way when picking a digital printer as this will ensure that they clearly understand your needs and know how to deliver the printing that you require.