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Simply, Affordable, Quality Print & Design in Staffordshire and the UK
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Simply, Affordable, Quality Print & Design in Staffordshire and the UK
When it comes to printing in the real world, there are two main types of printing processes: Litho and Digital. Here in our great guide, we discuss the pros and cons of Litho vs. Digital to help you decide which method suits your needs best.
Whether it’s a set of business cards for your latest employee, a stack of folded leaflets for your new campaign, or fresh business stationery for your office, getting the cost, quality, and turnaround of your print just right can make all the difference.
Worlds apart in their methods and boasting their unique benefits, let’s explore the differences between Litho and Digital printing to help you make an informed choice.
Learn how to prepare files for commercial printing and ensure flawless results.
Printing doesn’t have to be confusing! Here, we’ll explain the differences between Digital and Litho press printing. Explore the different types of commercial printing services to see where these methods excel.
Digital printing is a method you’re likely familiar with. Similar to how everyday office printers use toner, digital printers operate much faster and deliver higher quality. Digital files, such as PDFs, are sent directly to the digital press, where a laser draws the image onto the machine’s printing drum.
This process creates a static charge on the drum cylinder, reflecting the image to be printed. Digital printing uses a four-colour process (CMYK), consisting of Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) to create the final image. The ink forms an image on the drum, which is then printed onto your chosen paper stock at high speed.
For full-colour printing, this process is repeated four times, once for each colour in CMYK. The final sheets are stacked or bound based on your project requirements.
Digital printing offers quick setup times, with the ability to print up to 4,800 sheets per hour. Discover how commercial printing enhances your business. This means shorter lead times, less waste, and lower costs for smaller print runs.
Unlike litho printing, digital presses don’t require plates. This flexibility allows printing on a range of materials, including plastics and even wood. However, digital presses are generally limited to stocks under 350gsm and are best suited for shorter print runs.
Litho, or lithographic printing, is a more traditional printing method that has evolved significantly over the years. It is sometimes called lithography, offset printing, or offset litho printing. Let’s break down its process step-by-step:
Artwork is used to create a printing plate, typically made from aluminium. This plate is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion that hardens when exposed to light, forming the image. This can be done photographically or with computer-to-plate (CTP) technology.
The plate is mounted onto a cylinder on the press. For full-colour printing, four plates are prepared for each of the CMYK colours. Some presses allow additional plates for spot colours.
The printing press uses a series of rollers to apply a thin film of water to non-image areas of the plate and oil-based ink to the image areas. This “offset” technique ensures the paper never comes into direct contact with the plate.
The image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket cylinder and then onto the paper. This indirect process maintains image quality and prolongs plate life.
The paper is fed through the press, where pressure ensures the ink adheres properly to the surface.
After printing, the sheets go through a drying unit. Depending on your project, they may also be cut, folded, bound, or coated for a polished final product.
It produces vibrant, high-quality results, especially for large areas of solid colour. It produces vibrant, high-quality results, especially for large areas of solid colour. Litho also supports a wider variety of materials and textures than digital printing. Eco-friendly commercial printing practices can make litho printing more sustainable.
Both methods are capable of delivering exceptional results. Litho printing has traditionally been associated with higher quality, especially for solid colours and textured materials. However, advances in digital technology have narrowed the gap, making it suitable for detailed designs and images.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your project’s specific needs: the artwork, material, quantity, personalisation, and budget. Explore trends in commercial printing technology to see how innovations are improving both methods.
In conclusion, there’s no definitive winner in the digital vs. litho printing debate. Each has its advantages, and the choice depends on your project’s requirements.
At Print Stafford, we evaluate your needs to recommend the best solution. Whether it’s a high-quality short-run or a large-scale project, our team ensures your prints are cost-effective and impactful.
