Let’s talk about printing…
Talking about one method or another could raise a question, possibly logical; it deals with the points in favor of one technique and another, but it can not be sentenced that one print is superior to the other, because in no way does this represent reality.
Between offset printing and digital printing, there are marked differences of action, which define them, but in no way deteriorate their performance, on the contrary, in the world of graphic arts, each of them has a function and both separately work differently to meet the specific needs of each printing model.
Different functions for each printing method
Since its creation at the beginning of the 19th and 20th centuries, each one in its area has proved to be the panacea to the printing demands of customers with different needs, positioning itself as the main ways of bringing a final product to paper.
When we speak of digital printing, we refer to what is done directly from a computer to the printing machine, fully reproducing the image or text that is located in the personal or industrial computer, to the machine enabled to make this print, whatever its format, size, shape or color. In this way we briefly explain the essence of this kind of printing.
As far as offset is concerned, we are talking about a print made indirectly, in fact, hence its name, which comes from the word ”indirect” in English. Because this is the way to carry out the work that consists of going through a few previous steps before executing the print.
In fact, it is a matter of placing an oily ink on a plate made most of the time in an aluminium alloy, on which repellent liquids are added (for those parts of the surface where there should not be a printed image) and other special attractive liquids of the material in order to print everything correctly in the places where a text or a graphic should go.
Offset is called the printing method of excellence, with a high percentage in what fidelity in image transfer refers; with amazing quality in the results, undeniable in view of whoever requests this modality to carry out their orders.
After describing these two ways to get a printing done, we will talk about the differences that distinguish these, the two main ways to get an image through printing.
The digital, for example, is considered more economic, because the cost of ”the stain” is much lower, the machine used to print is prepared much faster and therefore the order is achieved much faster.
On the contrary, in order to achieve offset printing, it is necessary to carry out a number of previous actions in order to prepare the machinery before putting it to work, however it is ideal if your project has to do with the printing of newspapers, adhesives and magazines.
These machines when working with rollers move the plates that have the information and that are adhering photos, texts and images in a continuous way giving as a result a very high resolution and almost perfection in its result.
Digital implies a much faster and simpler process, while offset implies a little more previous work, but with more than satisfactory results. Both show high benefits to the user in terms of money and time, however, each one of the following provide services but with marked differences, which the user will use according to their particular case.
What is the best printing method ?
It would be very daring to judge that one print or another print is better, because in this sense, everything depends on the particular case, the number of copies you want to buy and the time you have, and of course, the clear estimate of the budget you can count on.
The differences between digital and offset printing have more to do with the process than the result. In both cases their effectiveness is highly proven, and they continue to spearhead the superiority of the quality of each copy launched onto the market.
Whatever its function, it will bear fruit, it will effectively reach the public for which it is intended and it will have a considerable shelf life.
In Valencia we have a design department that will adapt to the aesthetics of your company or business, offering you the best services. We make all kinds of printing products at low prices. Call us by (+34) 963 35 60 36, or visit us at our headquarters: Carrer de l’Algepser, 20, Nave 7 46980, Valencia, Spain
