Digital printing has become the new standard for millions of artists and photographers worldwide. In fact, it’s now estimated that digital printing accounts for more than 17% of the total print market value worldwide. Advantageous in many ways, digital printing has become the primary or exclusive option for a new generation of customers.
But does this mean that digital printing is always the best option available? Is digital printing a tale of wall to wall advantages, with no downsides to consider?
As with most things, it depends entirely on who you ask. While some see digital printing as the printing option for the 21st century, others aren’t quite so convinced. As leading digital printers in Kent, we bring a more balanced viewpoint to the debate. Rather than one printing method being inherently ‘better’ than any other, it all depends on what you intend to achieve, how quickly you intend to achieve it, what kind of budget you’re working with and so on.
We’re firm believers in digital printing as an important and indeed outstanding choice for a multitude of purposes. Nevertheless, it isn’t necessarily the perfect printing method for all purposes.
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of digital printing. All of which we’d be delighted to discuss with you further if you’re unsure which printing method best suits your project and your pocket.
Advantages of Digital Printing
Taking a look at the advantages of digital printing first, the biggest benefits of this high-tech approach are as follows:
● It’s Fast. Digital printing is by far one of the fastest and most convenient options available. Even where larger and more complex prints are concerned, the printing process itself takes just seconds to complete. Ideal, therefore, where time is a factor and strict deadlines must be met.
● It’s Affordable. It’s also worth considering how quality digital printing costs are decreasing all the time. Particularly when compared to methods like traditional offset printing, digital printing can be incredibly affordable. Costs vary significantly in accordance with requirements, but digital printing, in general, is an extremely cost-effective option.
● More Accurate Proofing. Digital printing also enables photographers and artists to view an accurate example of the final result, prior to running off hundreds (or even thousands) or copies. Accurate proofing gives the opportunity for the client to identify and address any issues or errors, rather than allowing them to compromise the quality of the final result.
● Flawless Consistency. Where extensive runs are concerned, digital printing simplifies the process of producing absolutely any number of identical copies. Assuming the highest quality hardware is used, it’s easy to maintain flawless consistency from the first print to the last.
Disadvantages of Digital Printing
On the downside, there’s a select handful of disadvantages to consider, which include the following:
● Limited Options. Digital printing is compatible with a wide variety of mediums, though not quite as many as more traditional printing processes. For example, digital printing methods are not currently compatible with some plastics, metallic surfaces, leather, wood, cloth and so on.
● It’s Sometimes Expensive. While digital printing has the potential to be extremely cost-effective, it can also be expensive. Costs vary significantly from one project and service provider to the next, along with the size of the run of prints required. It can, therefore, be beneficial to shop around for a good deal.
● Quality Control. Last but not least, quality standards tend to vary significantly from one printing company to the next. In terms of hardware, software and the skills needed to produce outstanding prints, not all printing houses are operating at the same high level. Once again, therefore, you need to think carefully about who you entrust the project to – especially if it is a particularly important printing job.
The Takeaway
For the vast majority of everyday printing jobs, digital printing is in a league of its own. When you consider the quality, cost-effectiveness and convenience of digital printing, there’s no comparable alternative available.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t alternative options available, which in some instances may be more suitable for your requirements. As such, we strongly suggest reaching out to a member of the team at Digilab, if you’re unsure which printing method to choose. We’ll talk you through the available options and ensure you make the right decision to suit your project, your preferences and your pocket.
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