digital PRINTING

is it all the same?

Digital printing refers to the printing process that transfer image directly onto a media substrate. So unlike traditional and more costly offset methods requiring a metal printing plate, digital deposits the ink or toner directly onto the substrate.

But do all digital printing presses produce the same quality?

 

 

the quality debate.

Nearly every printer in the marketplace today does ‘digital’. But if you’re looking for a premium, quality finish, it’s important to understand that all prints are not the same.

MACHINERY

All the same? Definately not. Digital press range from glorified photo copies, to offset quality presses. Check with your supplier first to understand the limitations and finish of their equipment so your won’t be caught off guard by the finished result.

operators

Now that you understand the difference in the level of machinery, the same goes for operators. At Printcraft our digital operators are printers, so they’re trained in colour management.

the printcraft difference

As both an offset and digital print supplier, the questions we get asked here at Printcraft usually relate to quality, finishes, and when to use digital printing.

QUOTE REQUEST
digital printing fact sheet
digital print binding

EQUIPMENT LIST

Printcraft boasts equipment so new you can fix your hair in the reflection. Take a look at our offse equipment list and capacity.

web2print

Want to automate? It’s easy with our custom built Web2Print platform PIVOT.

IMAGE GALLERY

Take a peek at some of our recent work. If you’d like to know more, contact us here for a quote.
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PIVOT CORPORATE

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WHEN SHOULD I USE DIGITAL PRINTING?
Traditionally, digital has been the ‘go to’ for smaller printed quantities. Depending on the dimensions, flyers and brochures up to a few thousand copies, and books to a few hundred, are more ecconomical on digital machines. If you only choosing to print digitally based on quantity you might be selling yourself short of its real capabilities.
ever considered personalisation?

Because of the direct transfer process in digital, every sheet can potentially be different, either with variable text or variable images. Personalisation helps campaigns stand out for their static competitors, and see higher response rates and a better return on investment. See more here.

can i use any type of paper?
Not all paper is the same and the water content and surface make some stocks mor suitable for digital printing than others. It’s best to check with your supplier what can and can’t be used on their specific equipment. Because of the growth in digital printing there are several paper ranges produced exclusively for these machines.
will the print quality be the same as offset?
Although machines like the HP Indigo have taken us a long way from the waxy, gloss finish of the early days, it’s important to understand the differences in quality between digital and offset printing. Solid colours, gradients and very fine text can be tricky to reproduce, and images can often look ‘oversaturated’ with colour. Generally print is CMYK only and any PMS critical colours should always be discussed with your supplier.
what sizes can i fit on a digital press?
If you’re looking to print a short run of books or presentation folders, something to note is the sheet size on your supplier’s digital press. Most run an oversized A3. One of the few digital presses on the market with an ‘extra large’ footprint is Printcraft’s Xerox Igen with a 660 x 430mm sheet.
what finishing processes can i use?
Again, technology has put almost all finish and embellishment options within the reach of small format digital presses, but it’s still important to discuss these with your supplier before you hand over the artwork. Some laminates and foils may not adhere to the toner on digitally printed sheets, and others have a silicone coating on the surface, making them unsuitable for glue based binding methods.

be an individual

Ever considered personalising your print? Because of the direct transfer process in digital, every sheet can potentially be different, either with variable text or variable images. Campaigns featuring personalisation often stand out from their static competitors and see higher response rates. Variable Data Printing (VDP) is one of the often overlooked benefits exclusive to digital.

see more

automate it

Web2print is the time and cost saving solution for today’s busy marketing team. Ideally suited for digital printing Printcraft’s PIVOT platform can drive static and dynamic artwork templates directly to the press. Check out the functionality of Printcraft PIVOT here.

PIVOT

OUR DIGITAL PRESSES

HP INDIGO

 

The Indigo press is synonymous with quality when it comes to digital printing. With a liquid ink it’s the closest match to an offset look and feel that you will get in the market. Newer machines, like Printcraft’s HP Indigo 7500, also have a few extra tricks under the bonnet. White ink, and a clear raised varnish to add an extra ‘tactile’ dimension.

XEROX IGEN

 

If the restrictive sheet size on your ‘average’ digital press is stifling your design, it’s time to take full advantage of our new Xerox iGen 150. This machine produces an EXTRA large sheet opening up a world of possibilities with landscape books and presentation folders. Throw in its ground breaking colour management system and sharper screen rulings and your creativity will know no limits.

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