Digital Versus Lithographic Printing
Digital Printing
For short-run jobs this process is ideal. Initial set up is minimal and a job can
be completed in a fraction of the time taken with conventional printing.
Although 'special' colours are not available, an acceptable match can always be
made from cyan, magenta, yellow and black (excluding metallic or fluorescent colours).
Jobs can easily be personalised, perfect for direct mails.
Pros - Relatively cheap, quick set up, speedy turnaround (typically under 24 hours),
easily personalised.
Lithographic Printing
This is the traditional method of printing using oil-based ink.
For long-run jobs this process is the most economic. The initial set up is more
costly and time consuming which makes the process expensive for short runs. Once
printing however, it is relatively cheap to increase the quantity required.
A benefit of lithographic printing is the ability to print with 'special' colours
for example silver. Instead of being restricted to the colour range possible from
cyan, magenta, yellow and black a specific ink can be used.
Another benefit of lithographic printing is being able to print on textured paper.
This is because the ink is applied to the paper by a roller under pressure.
Pros - Cheaper on long-runs, ability to print 'special colours', best process for
large areas of flat tints, able to print on textured paper.
Cons - Expensive for short-runs, time consuming set up, slow turnaround (typically
10-12 working days). Lithographic printing cannot be personalised.
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