The Difference Between Offset and Digital Printing, Which do You Choose?

Offset and Digital Printing are the 2 most common techniques used in the printing industry. Both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of printing project you have. In this review, we will discuss the prominent differences between Offset Printing and Digital Printing. Curious about the review? Scroll down to find out more!!!

What is Offset Printing?

It is common knowledge that the Offset Printing method has been used for decades. The Offset printing machine was first invented by G. Sigl in 1851. The development of the Offset machine has also increased so that the results are clearer than the first machine invented.

In simple terms, the definition of Offset Printing is a conventional printing technique that utilizes aluminum plates as printing media. Then, the printed material on the aluminum plate is transferred to a rubber plate before finally being printed on paper.

Offset printing is ideal for large print runs because the more you print, the cheaper the cost per unit.

Advantages of Offset Printing:

• High Print Quality: Digital Printing prints are sharper and more consistent, especially for colored prints.
• Efficiency for Large Print Volumes: The cost per print will be cheaper as the quantity of prints increases.
• Various Media: Can print on various types of materials such as thick paper, plastic, and other materials.

Disadvantages of Offset Printing:

• Expensive Initial Setup: The initial cost of making a printing plate is quite high, making it inefficient for small print runs.
• Longer Process: It takes more time to prepare, especially when printing with many colors.

What is Digital Printing?

Unlike Offset Printing, Digital printing is a more modern and better technology and does not require a printing plate. This process involves sending digital files directly to the printing machine, making it very fast and efficient for small print runs.

Advantages of Digital Printing:

• Fast and Flexible: The process is faster because it does not require a printing plate, and is suitable for small volume or custom print runs.
• Low Cost for Small Prints: There are no high initial setup costs, making it more affordable for small projects.
• Personalization: Can print variable data, such as different names or images on each printed sheet.

Disadvantages of Digital Printing:

• More Expensive for Large Volumes: For large prints, the price can be higher compared to offset printing.
• Limited Media Options: The types of media that can be used for digital printing are limited when compared to offset.

Differences Between Offset and Digital Printing

Here are some of the prominent differences between Offset and Digital Printing, including:

1. Printing Method Used

As the admin has reviewed previously, Offset Printing uses a flat printing method using a printed plate that is similar to the previous design image before finally being printed onto paper or other media.

Unlike Digital Printing, this technique uses a digital printing method. In the process, it uses the help of a computer that is tasked with sending the design to the printing machine.

2. Printing Process

In Offset Printing, the prepared design is processed manually and not digitally.

While in Digital Printing, the printing process uses digital media.

3. Print Results

The print results from Offset Printing provide a shape like a rubber layer because the process must pass through a rubber blanker or rubber layer.

Unlike Digital Printing, which looks more like a printout in a printer in general, where the pixel dots will be more visible.

Digital Printing does not require a plate to produce a print, but uses Toner or Liquid Ink.

4. Price

Both Offset Printing and Digital Printing techniques have very different prices. The reason is, Offset Printing has a more expensive price compared to Digital Printing.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you already know the difference between Offset Printing and Digital Printing, then which one should you choose between Digital Printing and Offset Printing? See the following explanation:

Choose Offset Printing If:

• Printing friends print in large quantities.
• Printing friends pay more attention to print quality and prioritize it.
• Printing friends want to print on various types of media.

Choose Digital Printing If:

• Printing friends only need small prints.
• Printing friends need fast results.
• Printing friends need customization such as variable data.

Conclusion

Offset and Digital Printing have their own advantages. If you need large prints and prioritize quality, Offset Printing is the best choice. However, if you are looking for flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency for small prints, digital printing is more suitable.

If you have an Offset Printing business, Pelangi UV provides the most complete types of print finishing in East Java that can work with your Printing business.

Consultation and ordering for print finishing services, contact Whatsapp: 0822 3101 9363

Pelangi UV also provides print finishing raw materials, contact Whatsapp: 085 174 176 782