A few weeks ago we posted about offset printing, so now we’d like to talk a little more about digital printing. While some of our customers prefer the traditional offset press methods, digital printing technology delivers printed products that match, and in many ways outshine the products we can produce on a traditional press. We’re not saying that there isn’t a time and place for offset printing. But we want to make you aware of digital printing’s strengths, so here are 4 reasons you should choose digital printing:
Color matching
A few days ago one of our sales guys said that one of his most detail-oriented customers asked him to provide proofs using our offset press, and our HP Indigo press. When the client received the proofs he couldn’t tell which press had produced which. This is perfect evidence that digital printing has come a long way when it comes to color matching and color printing. It used to be that you relied on offset methods for color exactness but now, digital printing can provide that exactness you need.
With digital, you also don’t have to deal with ink aging, different ink-lot processing or a number of other variables that come up when using PMS inks. Our digital press can run up to 3 spot Pantone colors in addition to the 4-color process so that you get the exact color you need.
Cost efficiency
It’s still true that the offset press manages long runs very well when it comes to cost, however the new HP Indigo machines can produce printed products so quickly, digital printing costs are much more competitive. You also need to consider other pricing variables when printing. With digital printing, price per piece may be higher, but production, shipping, delivery, distribution, and warehousing, can all make it so that digital printing is your most cost-efficient option.
High quality
It’s hard to determine whether offset or digital printing deliver better quality printed products. People’s preferences regarding color intensity and paper stock vary widely. But we can tell you that the HP Indigo press delivers top quality printed items that rival and sometimes outshine offset printed items. Part of this is a result of the use of liquid ink. Our digital printers can place uniform ink drops of 1- to 2- micros, which means you get sharper images, and vibrant colors just like you would with an offset printer. However, you aren’t messing with the water and ink process that offset requires. With HP Indigo digital printing, precision in color and sharpness can’t be beat.
Quicker press checks
Some of our customers will request that we do press checks. This means that we take them a proof of the printed piece to approve before we print the entire order. With offset, press checks can really slow down our business. Sometimes the client can’t check the proof for a few hours, or they get caught in a meeting and we are left holding the press, waiting to print their job. With digital printing, we don’t have to stop production. We can get them one proof, get approval an hour or 2 days later and then run their job immediately. When it comes to press checks, not only is our job easier with digital printing, you also get faster results from us.
If you have questions about whether digital or offset is the right way to go with your project, contact us. We’ll be happy to help.
