DIGITAL PRINT

DIGITAL PRINTING

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media. Digital print consist of the reproduction of images by  translating the digital code direct from a computer to a material without an intermediate physical process.

Once the image has been sent from the computer, the image quality that needs to be transferred onto the substrate is mainly defined  from the conversion software programs, otherwise known as RIPS (Rastor Image Processing Software). This software is vital in the accurate interpretation of information from computer to printer. The software will usually be programmed purely for the individual device.

The main difference between digital printing and traditional methods such as lithography, flexography, rotogravure, or flexography is that no printing plates are used, resulting in a quicker and less expensive turnaround time.

The most popular methods include inkjet or laser printers that deposit pigment or toner onto a wide variety of substrates including paper, photo paper, canvas, glass, metal, marble and others.

Digital printing, professionally is usually used in the case of small run jobs are needed using large format and/or high volume laser or inkjet printers. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods but this price is usually balances out by the cost saving in avoiding all the technical steps in between needed to make printing plates. It also allows for on demand printing, short turn around, and even a modification of the image (variable data) with each impression.