Since the arrival of the very first digital printers back in the 1980s, this game-changing technology has gradually worked its way into our daily lives. Now, digital printers are in our homes. They’re in our offices. They’re used to print everything from invoices to product labels, brochures and so much more.
But why? What has made digital printing so popular, and what benefits does it offer in comparison to other printing technologies (like offset printing)? We’ll answer both of these questions in detail below, telling you everything you need to know about digital printing.
What is digital printing?
It’s the most popular form of printing technology currently in use today. Digital printing takes a form of digital artwork - be it a photograph, a logo or a label design - and reproduces it onto a given material using thousands of microscopic droplets of ink.
Digital printers come in a variety of forms; inkjet and laser are the most widely used in homes and offices, while solid ink printers and digital presses are typically found in high-volume, commercial printing environments.
How does digital printing work?
One of the inherent advantages of digital printing is the simplicity of the printing process. We’ll cover more of the advantages in just a moment, but here’s a brief overview of the printing process and how it works:
- Artwork creation: The first step is to create artwork. Whether you’re designing a label, a brochure or even a T-shirt, the design always acts as the starting point.
- Resizing: When the design is complete, it has to be sized correctly to fit the material you’re printing onto. This step ensures that no sections of the design are cut off and that there are no unintended blank areas.
- Formatting: Depending on the design you’ve created, what you’re printing it onto and the type of printer you’re using, a number of different file formats can be used. The correct format is chosen at this stage, and the design file is exported ready for printing.
Printing: The final step. The completed, formatted design is sent to the printer and the machine does its job, reproducing your design with incredible accuracy.
What are the benefits of digital printing?
Now you know what digital printing is and how it works, let’s take a closer look at the benefits. What is it that makes digital printing the number-one choice for individuals and businesses across the globe?
Quality
Digital printers are able to reproduce intricate designs with real precision. Expect clear, crisp images, vivid colours and defined text that’s easy to read. Digital printers are able to deliver an impressive level of detail and definition, resulting in a high-quality print that comfortably passes even the closest of inspections.
Accuracy
One of the main challenges with printing is reproducing colours accurately. This process is made much more simple with digital printing; colour matching can be completed quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time during the production process.
Affordability
Because digital printers have become so widely used, they’ve become a whole lot more affordable. Eliminating plates makes the printing process simpler and more affordable too, extending the advantage digital printing has from a budget perspective.
Efficiency
Leading on from the above point, the simplicity of the digital printing process makes it significantly less time-consuming than other methods. No special knowledge or skills are required to complete the actual printing process itself - the printer takes care of it all. This allows prints to be completed quickly and efficiently, with minimal risk of mistakes or inaccuracies.
Flexibility
A vast range of products can be created using the digital printing method, from clothing through to brochures, labels, leaflets and business cards. No other printing method can match digital when it comes to flexibility.
Scalability
Whether you need to produce a one-off print or a large batch, digital printing can handle it. As your business grows and your product offering broadens, digital printers can grow with you, serving all your requirements comfortably.
Durability
Because digital prints adhere so well, they’re able to resist fading for longer. Unlike some other printing methods, digital printing creates a high-quality, durable finish that can more easily resist the likes of UV damage, moisture and extreme temperatures.
Safety
Depending on the type of ink you choose, digital printing allows you to comply with even the strictest of food safety and packaging regulations. Non-toxic and odourless inks are available, allowing you to enjoy all of the advantages of digital printing while maintaining the safety and compliance of your products.
Sustainability
Compared to other printing methods, digital is a more sustainable choice. The simplicity of the printing process means that fewer materials are used and no ink is wasted, reducing your carbon footprint. Products that use digital printing as opposed to traditional methods are typically more easy to recycle, too.
Explore our range of digital printing services today
Ready to take advantage of all the benefits digital printing has to offer? Speak to the team at Flexi Labels today to get started.
With an in-house design team, decades of combined experience across our team and more than 20,000 happy customers across the UK and Europe, we’re a one-stop shop for all your digital printing needs. Check out our FAQs page to get your questions answered or get in touch with us today for a free quote.
