Digital Printing Versus Offset Printing

Drew Ogden • Jun 04, 2021

Digital Printing vs. Offset Printing


Are you new to the logistics of direct marketing?

You might find yourself asking: “What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?” and “How is the difference between these two printing services going to affect my business’s direct marketing pieces?” 

From deciphering paperweight conversions to selecting the right finish for your product, a lot goes into commercial printing for your business.

It can be confusing for business owners and marketing professionals who want to get their brand out into the world. That’s why our blog serves to provide you with the answers you need to get started. 

Today we’ll be talking about the differences between digital printing and offset printing.

 




DIGITAL PRINTING

According to Xerox.com, digital printing is the “process of printing digital-based images directly onto a variety of media substrates – paper, photo paper, canvas, fabric, synthetics, cardstock, and other substrates.” 

Digital printing allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround time, and even a modification of the variable data (image or text) used for each impression. It’s extremely effective for small quantity runs and last minute jobs. 

To simplify the term digital printing, here’s an easy example. If you created a PDF on your computer and wanted to print it, you could send your digital file directly to a digital printer. That’s because digital printing is able to print digital files without the need to create a printing plate. 

Now, you might ask, what is a printing plate? 

A printing plate, used in traditional printing methods, is a metal plate that is used to transfer an image composed of ink onto the available paper stock. A chemical, or laser engraved process, places the image on the metal plate. The offset press uses this metal plate to transfer the image/text onto rolls or sheets of paper that are running through the press. 

 



OFFSET PRINTING

Offset printing is ideal for large runs demanding quick turnaround and consistent quality. Metal printing plates transfer the ink design onto a rubber blanket. Then, the rubber blanket is rolled onto the paper. The term “offset” is used because the ink is not printed directly onto the paper.

There are two types of offset printing:  Web offset printing and sheet-fed printing. 

Web offset printing uses one large roll of paper that is continuously printed on as it runs through the offset press. This is ideal for magazines, books, and catalogs. 

Whereas, sheet-fed offset printing uses sheets of paper – great for postcards, brochures, and flyers. 

Of course, these products can be printed with a digital printing press. However, it’s important to keep in mind that we’re talking about substantial quantities of magazines, books, postcards, catalogs, brochures, or flyers. 

Offset printing’s innovative press equipment produces top-quality color transferring. Its production is very efficient. Sheet-fed presses print up to 15,000 impressions per hour and web offset presses print up to 50,000! 

Essentially, the higher the quantity of print pieces needed, the cheaper the cost of each piece. This does not affect the print or color quality during production. 

In fact, offset provides the highest possible print and color quality available. It also allows for a wider selection of paper choices and custom finishes.

 

MAKING AN IMPRESSION

Digital Printing has its advantages. The setup is cost-effective for smaller quantity projects because there is no need to replace printing plates. 

A key advantage is its ability to adjust variable data. If each of your pieces requires a unique image, code, name, or address, then digital printing will be the right service choice for your business.

This personalization is the reason digital printing services continue to be on an upward trend for 2021.

Pioneer Printing continues to invest in state-of-the-art equipment that will provide our customers with the best product possible. Our Canon Digital Press has industry-leading dry ink technology that uses no fuser oil, giving all its applications a smooth offset-like finish. 

In contrast, digital print quality may differ from that of offset. However, its advanced color management technology enables vivid, consistent color rendition from page to page. 

 

Still not sure which fits your project best? Ask yourself the following questions. If you still need help, feel free to send us a message! 

Is it a small or large run?

It’s cost-effective to choose a digital printing service for a small to medium size run. If large, offset printing is the way to go.

Do you want to customize your piece?

Digital Printing allows you to make adjustments to each piece. You can update the name, the image, or the address, to perfectly match your target audience. 

Do you want to print magazines or books?

Web offset printing will be the most cost-effective service for this project because of the number of pieces and the amount of pages they each contain. 

Do you want to print postcards, catalogs, or brochures?

Although both services will work for these types of pieces, it depends on the quantity your business is looking to print. Offset Printing is the right service choice, for example, if your business is printing 50K postcards. However, if it’s just 500-1000 variable postcards… that’s a job for digital printing. 

 

For more commercial printing information, you can read through our blog posts for a ton of great industry news, direct marketing guides, and informative printing tips. 

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Pioneer Printing offers digital printing, web off-set printing, and sheet-fed printing services that will surpass all your expectations. We want to remove all the hesitation and uncertainty from printing. Together, we can get your direct marketing project to the right audience. 

Request a quote to get started today. 

TIPS: Pop-Up Shop Prints

by Alyssa Stoner • 22 Apr, 2023
Do you see yourself starting a small, intimate business and exploring the concept of a pop-up shop or food truck? In the retail or food industry, it sounds like an enjoyable, yet easy idea. Pop-up shops don’t require long-term rental contracts and require cheaper rent than you would normally pay for a permanent location in your area. A pop-up store, also referred to as ‘flash retailing’, is a growing trend where a brand opens up a sales space for a limited time before closing it down. The plan for this tactic is to get customers interested so they visit your business for a fun, limited time experience. Pop-up fairs or farmers markets are good examples of successful events designed for local, small businesses. Whether you sell custom jewelry/crafts, clothing, or a food business, there’s a lot of foot traffic at pop-ups, which basically means you’ll gain lots of new customers. In order to set up a thriving locale, you’re going to need some printing products such as business cards, brochures, banners and signs to get started. Not only will that help get your business recognized, but also increase repeated consumers and a loyal following. One thing that should cross your mind is business cards –have a stack of them on hand. They are helpful for networking and spreading your business’s name by a simple stock card with precise contact information and a creative logo. Since your setup at the location is most likely temporary, people will always have questions for you. A business that is ‘on the move’ makes people curious, especially if your products are interesting, rare and valuable. You will need a vinyl banner if your pop-up is organized as a table or a booth. Hanging a big banner that includes your logo, business name, or an eye-catching promotion, will get your space the notice it deserves. The best part is if you decide to keep it simple with just your logo, business name, and website, you can reuse this vinyl banner over and over again for another event your business may take part in locally. Try to think more imaginatively! If you want to convey some specific information about an item, you can print custom hang tags for any type of product –clothing, accessories, candles, bottles, etc. Include information such as sizing, brand story, ingredients, nutrition facts, and even a website or your business’s social media platforms. As a business vendor, it’s likely that you are looking for ways to save money while still growing a professional brand. Roll labels or stickers are your go-to promotional prints. They are cost-effective and can easily transform an average, boring bag or box into a branded package. Design a sticker with your logo and you will have your branding conveniently placed on all your products, which also helps with credibility.  Pioneerprintandgraphics.com (239) 541-2679

Custom Printing: Make Your Brand Stand Out

by Alyssa Stoner • 19 Apr, 2023
Whether you are starting a new business or have been in a specific, professional industry for over 10 years now, organized and attention-grabbing custom print designs are a significant part of constructing a successful trademark. They let you connect with your audience and allow you to make an impression through tangible printed marketing products! Finding the right approach will help make the most of your printed design material and guarantee that your message is communicated to your customers. Are solid, substantial promotional prints (flyers, business cards, catalogs, brochures etc.) necessary since we live in a digital world? Is print a dead end idea? We tend to overlook the value of printed designs because we also live in and engage with the community and physical world on a daily basis. Integrating printed media into your brands marketing strategy can therefore be beneficial by building brand awareness and customer relationships. You can promote your brand by using the products as giveaways during trade shows or expos, which involves reaching your potential customers offline in a localized way. The best print designs will grab people’s attention for longer than a Facebook Ad that can be scrolled and forgotten about right away. Even though printed media can be very profitable, it will have the most impact when combined with an effective marketing plan. Think about when printed products are most useful and how your customers will be engaging with your prints –for example, if you are a designing a custom rack card to be placed in a local tourism office for your business, or a close friend’s workplace, consider how it will be viewed by the passersby. Depending on the placement of the card, the middle and bottom may not be seen unless picked up. Therefore, it is key that the top portion be visually interesting –i.e. very colorful, vibrant and have a large lettering that stands out, as well as provide short messaging. Don’t forget to include the five senses of printed media. While digital media appeals mainly to our visual and hearing senses, printed material has the distinctive chance to increase more senses such as touch and smell. Soft-touch or glossy coatings, stamped surfaces and scented inks, can take your printing designs to the next level. Lastly, you can unite with the digital world! Link both parts of your brand by integrating digital elements into your custom, creative designs. QR codes are a big way to transport the customer from the printed page to your website or social media platforms, where they can find more information, as well as ‘like’ and ‘follow’ your pages. Also, QR codes can be used to share vCards to effortlessly import contacts into a cell phone. Set yourself apart from the competition and create a solid print design to grow your business. Pioneerprintandgraphics.com  (239) 541-2679
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