Offset or Digital?

OFFSET PRINTING

High Image Quality & Accuracy | Medium to Large Runs | Static Reproduction

Offset printing is the traditional method for printing high quality printed products requiring medium to high volume quantities. Files are imaged to printing plates for press, the plates are mounted on press according to color, and inked by a series of rollers. The plate image is transferred to a rubber printing blanket and in turn to the press sheet traveling though the press at a high rate of speed. Our offset printing department includes five presses of various sizes to meet all requirements. Quantities of 1000 or more are the right fit and economical for offset print.

DIGITAL PRINTING

Full Color | Fast Turnaround | Short Run | Static & Variable Reproduction

Digital printing processes print files electronically with computer driven software. Files are imaged directly by a print head from sheet to sheet. This is a toner based process using 4-color (CMYK), which can be adjusted for custom colors. Current digital printing technology provides quality image reproduction on a wide variety of substrates. There is less setup involved yielding a lower cost and faster output than offset technology. Several finishing requirements can also be performed inline on the equipment. Quantities of 1000 or less are a great fit for digital printing.

Variable data is an additional advantage of digital technology allowing information changes to both text and graphics from piece to piece. This is a targeted method that requires a high level of detail, but can also provide a high impact for the printed product.

HOW TO CHOOSE

COLOR Offset printing provides the opportunity for more custom print and ink options. Metallic inks, spot varnish techniques, and coatings are an example of this. Digital printing builds every color from a CMYK base.

PAPER  There are many choices available for a wide variety of uses and price levels. Overall, the selection of offset papers is larger than digital papers. The papers available for digital printing are limited to certain stocks that can perform in digital applications. We can make recommendations when needed.

COST  Generally short runs of 1000 or less will be a lower cost with digital, while larger runs of 1000 and above will have a lower price per unit when printed offset. We always provide you with the most economical price based on your print specifications.

PROOFING  Digital printing allows you to review an actual production quality proof. The proof you see is the job that will deliver. Offset proofing requires an inkjet contract proof that is calibrated to our printing process and simulates the color achieved on press.

TURNAROUND  Digital is usually a faster production turnaround. Offset turnarounds depend on the project details and requirements of the job.

CUSTOMIZATION Digital printing allows for customizing printed material with variable data as little as piece to piece. Offset print can be customized as well with multiple versions. This can be done by changing plate(s) during the print run or ganging items together on press forms and printing together.