What is Digital Printing?

Unlike traditional methods that involve lengthy setups and various mechanical processes, digital printing simplifies the art of printing by directly transferring a digital file onto a substrate using a sophisticated printer. 

Whether it’s for marketing materials, bespoke gifts, or corporate documents, digital printing provides a powerful tool for creating impactful printed content.

What is the Difference Between Screen Printing and Digital Printing?

The primary distinction between screen printing and digital printing lies in their respective methodologies and applications. 

Screen printing is an old technique that involves creating a stencil (or screen) and using it to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Each colour is applied using a different stencil, one at a time, combined to achieve the final look.

This method is ideal for high-volume orders as it’s cost-effective in bulk and famous for its rich colour output and durability.

Digital printing on the other hand does away with physical stencils and instead incorporates digital files like PDFs or desktop publishing files, which direct the printer on how to deposit ink, toner, or other substrates onto the material.

This difference not only affects the speed and flexibility of production but also impacts the cost and scalability. 

The Benefits of Digital Printing

Digital printing offers many advantages that make it a preferred choice in numerous industries.

1. Firstly, its efficiency is unparalleled; digital printing allows for the direct transfer of images from a digital source to a printer, eliminating the need for a physical master copy. This leads to a significant reduction in the time and cost associated with the prepress steps, making on-demand printing and even modifications to the design an effortless affair.
2. Digital printing involves several techniques including inkjet and laser printing, and offers the unique advantage of variable data capability. This means each print can be customised individually without slowing down the printing process. Particularly beneficial for businesses and personal projects in dynamic markets, digital printing allows for small batch runs with high-quality outputs. 
3. Moreover, digital printing is renowned for its precision and quality. Modern digital printers are equipped to produce high-resolution images with a wide colour spectrum, ensuring that every print is sharp, clear, and visually appealing. 
4. Finally, the eco-friendly aspect of digital printing makes it a preferred choice for printing companies wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. It typically requires less ink and power and produces fewer waste products compared to traditional methods. 

Types of Digital Printing

Digital printing makes use of various technologies, each suited to different needs and outcomes. The most common types include inkjet and laser printing.

Inkjet printers work by propelling microscopic droplets of ink onto paper and other substrates, which makes them fantastic for producing vibrant full-colour images. They are widely used in both commercial and domestic settings for their versatility and excellence in reproducing high-quality photographs and intricate designs.

Laser printers, on the other hand, use toner and static electricity to transfer images and text onto paper. Known for their speed and efficiency, laser printers are particularly useful in office environments where large volumes of text documents are frequently needed.

Other notable digital printing technologies include dye-sublimation, used for apparel and merchandising due to its ability to print on fabric and other soft substrates, and thermal printing, which is often employed in receipt and ticket printing.

Applications for Digital Printing

So what are some real-life examples of digital printing? Digital printing is instrumental in producing:

• Flyers and Brochures
• Posters (and other promotional materials)

The versatility of digital printing also extends to the personalisation of products:

• Custom t-shirts and apparel 
• Personalised gifts such as mugs and phone cases

Furthermore, the architectural and interior design industries benefit from digital printing technologies to produce unique aesthetic environments tailored to specific client desires such as:

• Custom wallpapers
• Art reproductions, and more

As businesses increasingly seek rapid, efficient, and personalised printing solutions, digital printing in Perth and globally continues to grow in popularity. 

Are you interested in harnessing the power of digital printing in Perth? Find out more about EXBO’s digital printing services here.