Digital Printing versus Offset Printing

Paper.com often reports on the dynamics of the digital printing market. The site has all the major brands and will ship as little as a ream of paper up to multi truck loads. In a recent article in DPSMagazine, three primary factors must be considered when deciding between digital and offset. First is format or size as well as print quality. Although the quality of digital has improved, offset printing is still better and the maximum size for a digital press finished piece is 20X14”. Special paper should be used when printing digital, while offset allows for a multitude of substraights. Second consideration is how you will market the printed piece – personalized or generic. Primary strength for the digital technology is the ability to personalize every piece and customize the message. The third consideration is price, digital generally appears more expense; however, one must focus on all costs including make ready and waste – digital printing really is more competitive than perceived – especially for short runs.

Which Process to use – Digital vs. Offset
DSPMagazine goes on to summarize evaluation process –
1. Format Size
2. Run Length
3. Brand or Spot Colors
4. Finishing requirements
5. Print Quality
6. Application
7. Substraight (type of paper) demanded