What is The Difference Between Offset and Digital Printing

When you are new to printing and packaging, you would expect to see the exact print result that you see on the screen. Based on the RGB and CMYK color schemes, the print outcomes may not be 100% the same as you want for your project.

This is where several businesses make a mistake in choosing a printing technique that does not match the requirements. Selecting an expensive printing technique does not mean it is effective. It depends on the project requirements to see what type of printing is suitable.

In this case, the offset printing vs digital printing contest helps you decide which printing method is suitable for your project. Fret not. This blog will differentiate between offset printing and digital printing, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to make an educated decision about choosing the right printing technique.

What is Offset Printing

Offset printing, also known as offset lithography printing, is the printing technique that involves a process of transferring ink from an etched plate to a rubber sheet (blanket) and the printing surface.

The ink in this process does not directly transfer to the paper sheet. It is transferred through rollers. When an offset printing press is set up, it runs the process of making large quantities of a product quickly and cheaply, and offers accurate color reproduction.

Pros Of Offset Printing

• Good to print large quantities cost-effectively.
• The more you print, the cheaper the price
• Can be used for printing with custom finishes on a wide range of paper types
• Can reproduce Pantone and metallic color inks
• Gives precise and accurate color reproduction

Cons Of Offset Printing

• Expensive when low quantities are printed
• Requiring more reproduction time takes a longer process time
• Time-consuming
• Require proper attention to get a high-quality print outcome

Offset Printing Examples

• Magazines
• Books
• Newspapers
• Brochures
• Packaging
• Posters

What is Digital Printing

A modern printing method in which laser printers, inkjet printers, and larger printers come to use liquid ink to get the desired printing results. No plate is involved in digital printing as it is used in offset printing.

The digital printing press is considered the most efficient process for variable data print tasks, to quickly print the job in full color on plain white paper. It has revolutionized the industry by printing, which has simplified the production process without any additional effort required, and has successfully captured the marketplace with advanced features.

Pros Of Digital Printing

• Lower set-up cost for short runs
• Faster turnaround time
• Lower minimum quantities
• Affordable in black and white digital printing
• Variable data capability

Cons Digital Printing

• Unable to print Pantone colors
• Lower as compared to offset printing
• Accommodates a smaller paper sheet
• Fade faster in sunlight

Digital Printing Examples

• Letterheads
• Envelopes
• Flyers
• Business cards
• Brochures
• Packaging
• Posters
• Stickers and labels

Differences Between Offset Printing Vs Digital Printing Quality

Here is a table to differentiate offset printing and digital printing.

Which Printing Method Is Fit For Which Package Type

After comparing both digital printing and offset printing, you will have a clear understanding of these printing techniques. Putting Pantone vs CMYK vs RGB aside. Now, let’s determine which printing technique is perfect for the packaging.

Rigid Box Packaging

When you need to print luxury perfume packaging with a high setup of production, you need to choose offset printing to get the best possible quality print outcome.

Corrugated Boxes

Suitable for digital and offset printing. However, when you need to print smaller runs, prefer digital printing.

Durable Paperboard Packaging

Small retail display box packaging, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic packaging require offset printing.

In A Nutshell

Both offset and digital printing are essential parts of the print industry. Offset printing is more cost-effective for large print runs and brings superior image quality prints.

Digital printing is cost-efficient for short print runs and offers flexibility and faster turnaround time for small quantities.

It depends upon the needs of your project, from budget to volume and desired quality, which educates you about offset printing vs digital printing cost and helps you determine which printing technique you think is suitable for your next project.

Get your desired print results by choosing the right printing method. To learn more about printing techniques for your projects, feel free to contact Custom Product Packaging. Drop us an email at orders@customproductpackaging.com.

FAQs

1. Is offset printing better than digital?
Yes, offset printing is more suitable than digital printing.

2. What are the disadvantages of offset printing?
Its initial setup cost is high and takes longer to prepare, with limited flexibility for customizable prints.

3. Is offset printing high-quality?
Yes, it offers excellent image print and color accuracy output.

4. What are the two types of offset printing?
The two main types of offset printing are:

1. Sheet-fed Offset Printing
2. Web-fed Offset Printing

5. Is offset printing still used?
Yes, it is used for high-volume and high-quality printing projects.

6. What is offset printing good for?
It is suitable for printing newspapers, magazines, and brochures.

7. What are examples of digital printing?
Customized business cards, flyers, and brochures are some of its examples.