What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?

Generally speaking, offset printing works by transferring ink from a plate to a rubber sheet, which then rolls the ink onto paper, vinyl or other surface. This is in contrast to digital printing, which does not use plates to transfer ink to paper.

What is the difference between a printed format and a digital format?

The first of those differences is the sheet size. Digital printing typically runs smaller sheet sizes—typically 19” sheets with some machines going up to 29”. Offset printing on the other hand typically runs presses that are 29” and 40” sheets.

What is digital offset printing?

Digital offset printing is a print technology that involves the electrostatic charging of an imaging plate. The discharged areas receive the ink which is then transferred to a heated blanket, then to the photo drum and lastly to the substrate.

Is digital printing better than offset?

In general, offset printing is regarded as being of higher quality; however, digital printing has made strides in respect to quality and two copies of the same design – one via offset printing, the other via digital printing – may appear identical to the untrained eye.

What is offset printing used for?

Offset printing is commonly used for commercial print such as newspapers, magazines, postcards, flyers, brochures and catalogs. This printing method is not only cost effective, but there are a variety of printing materials that can be used including paper, card stock and vinyl.

What can offset printing be used for?

Is offset printing better quality than digital?

What is digital printing used for?

Digital printing is best used for items that require high amounts of detail and smaller quantity orders. Unlike conventional printing, there are no pre-press stages between the digital document files and the final product; there is also no need for messy formatting equipment like film plates or photo chemicals.

What are the advantages of offset printing?

Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include:

• Consistent high image quality.
• Quick and easy production of printing plates.
• Longer printing plate life than on direct litho presses because there is no direct contact between the plate and the printing surface.
• Cost.