These days, when you want to print something elaborate, such as a beautifully vibrant advert for your business; it’s easy to assume that lithography is the way to go.
After all, this printing technique was invented over two centuries ago and has been significantly improved and refined since then.
However, there’s a clever young upstart threatening to take its crown, and that’s modern digital printing. How is it closing the gap in quality between itself and lithography? Here’s how…
Why it’s difficult to overthrow lithography’s dominance
The history of lithographic printing can be traced back to about 1796, when a German playwright called Alois Senefelder discovered by accident that he could write his scripts in greasy crayon on limestone slabs before using rolled-on ink to print his words.
Any crayon marks applied to the local limestone’s surface adhered to it so stubbornly, even when the slabs were repeatedly used for inking and printing, that the “lithographs”, as the printed works came to be known, could be printed almost endlessly, the Metropolitan Museum of Art notes.
As a result, the uptake of lithographic printing among artistic and commercial circles spread quickly. Many nineteenth-century artists appreciated the unique visual flourishes that they could achieve with lithography, which remains esteemed for its flexibility and versatility to this day.
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The present-day usefulness of lithography
It’s arguably no accident that, according to a Printing Impressions article, lithographic printing is anticipated to account for over 70% of print output globally by 2022. It’s simply a tried-and-trusted solution that continues to produce the sharpest possible images.
It’s also still the most cost-efficient solution for printing large volumes, while the technology has advanced to the extent that, now, ultraviolet-curable inks can be applied for works to dry instantly as well as, in their coatings and specialty effects, achieve higher levels of glossiness.
The versatility of lithographic printing is typified by the fact that, thanks to the ability of ultraviolet inks to dry even on non-porous materials, the technique can be used on much more than just paper. Steel, plastic and acrylic are all viable surfaces on which lithographic printing can be used.
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Digital has taken us from “multi-step” to “single-step”
Nonetheless, today, you could be hard-pressed – no, that’s not a deliberate printing-related pun – to tell the difference between lithographic and digital works just by looking at them. Furthermore, Vents Magazine describes digital printing as a “single-step process”. In this sense, it compares digital printing favorably to older, “multi-step” methods, where “specific printing techniques were necessary for specific applications”.
Digital printing can be summarized as simply involving creating the artwork on a computer before directly printing the work onto material. Digital has also, in recent years, evolved significantly in the quality of prints it can produce. There’s certainly room for it to grow on the cost-effectiveness front – but, even today, it can be used for printing hundreds of copies at a relatively low cost.
Even smaller companies can afford to purchase a digital printer from Duplo International for in-house results.
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Digital print technology’s flexibility and versatility are two of its most significant benefits. Digital print technology, unlike traditional printing methods such as offset, allows on-demand printing at minimal cost and with little setup time.
Digital print technology allows for small print runs and personalized printing to be more cost-effectively done. Digital printing allows for easy customization and modification of print materials.
This includes the ability to make quick, cost-effective modifications to design, content or variable data, as in personalized direct mail campaigns. Digital print technology also allows for quicker turnaround times as no plates need to be created or complicated setup procedures to be followed.
This is especially useful for projects that are time-sensitive or changes made at the last minute. Digital print technology is a versatile and flexible tool that allows businesses to be more agile and responsive in meeting their printing requirements.
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Unlocking Digital Print Technology’s Benefits
Digital print technology is revolutionizing the printing industry in today’s fast-changing world. Digital print technology is flexible, versatile, and efficient.
It offers many benefits for both businesses and individuals. This blog will examine the benefits of digital printing technology and how this is changing how we print.
#1. Flexibility and Versatility
Digital print technology’s flexibility and versatility are two of its key advantages. Digital print technology, unlike traditional printing methods such as offset, allows on-demand printing at minimal cost and with little setup time.
Digital print technology allows for small print runs and personalized printing to be done economically and efficiently.
Small and medium-sized businesses can easily print marketing materials, promotional products, or packaging in small quantities without having to pay expensive setup fees. Digital print technology allows for easy customization and modification of printed materials.
Digital print technology allows for quick and cost-effective design changes, content updates or variable data printing to create personalized marketing campaigns. Digital print technology allows businesses to respond more quickly to marketing changes or last-minute adjustments.
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#2. Faster Turnaround Times
Time is of the essence in the world of business. Digital printing technology offers faster turnaround than traditional methods. Digital print technology allows for quick and efficient printing. There are no plates to make or complicated setup procedures to follow.
This is particularly advantageous for businesses that have to deliver printed materials quickly, such as those with time-sensitive projects or urgent orders.
Digital print technology allows businesses to meet deadlines, deliver materials quickly to clients or customers and maintain a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business environment.
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#3. Cost-effective Printing
Digital print technology is also cost-effective. Digital print technology is less expensive than traditional printing because it does not require physical plates or long setup processes.
Smaller quantities of material can be printed without high setup costs, making this a cost-effective option for short-term promotional items, personalization, and small print runs.
This is especially beneficial to businesses on a budget or who want to print marketing materials without incurring high costs.
Digital print technology also allows for better inventory control and cost control. Businesses can print on demand, reducing the need for excess inventory and large print runs.
Printing in bulk reduces the risks of waste or obsolescence, allowing for better cost control and inventory management.
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#4. High-Quality Printing
Digital printing technology produces high-quality prints. Digital prints have improved in quality thanks to advances in digital printing technology. They now produce sharp images with vibrant colors and fine details.
Businesses can now produce professional-looking printed materials that exceed or meet the expectations of clients or customers. Digital print technology also offers consistent print quality across the entire print run. This eliminates the variability that is often associated with traditional print methods.
#5. Eco-friendly Printing
Sustainability is an important consideration in today’s world of environmental awareness. Digital printing technology reduces the impact of printing on the environment. Digital print technology is less wasteful and uses fewer resources because it does not require physical plates, chemicals, or excess waste.
Digital print technology also allows on-demand printing. This reduces excess inventory and waste and promotes more sustainable printing methods.
Digital printing has revolutionized the industry and brought many benefits to both businesses and individuals. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from its flexibility, versatility and cost-effectiveness.
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It also offers high-quality printing as well as eco-friendly options. Digital print technology has advanced to the point where businesses can produce professional print materials with sharp images, vivid colors, and precise detail.
Digital print technology also allows better control of costs and inventory, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Digital print technology offers businesses greater flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Digital print technology is the best option for printing marketing materials, promotional products, packaging or personalized items.
It offers unmatched flexibility, versatility and quality printing. Digital print technology is a great way to keep up with the ever-changing needs of today’s businesses. Why wait? Unlock the potential for success by exploring the benefits of digital printing technology.
