In this article, I show you some digital printing basics you should know. The fact is that today, due to the modern information in technological age in which we live, a large number of services are performed through digital devices. The press is no longer an exception.
Digital printing is of the highest quality, and any serious printing company will confirm to you that when printing digitally on large surfaces, the quality of printing and color is equally taken into account as in smaller formats.
If you have not had the opportunity to meet the need for digital printing so far, I will present everything about this modern procedure of transferring images and words to paper.
What does digital printing mean?
Digital printing is one of the youngest printing techniques, and its main goal is to simplify the printing process as much as possible. Digital printing involves the direct connection of a computer which performs all the preparations, both for printing and for controlling printing machines.
Digital printing is mostly intended and is most sought after among users who print small runs and small formats, but there is also large format printing.
Digital printing technology itself enables our ideas and wishes to be printed quickly and with quality. It provides the ability to complete the process within a few hours and saves both time and money.
With the help of digital printing, catalogs, brochures, posters, business cards, folders, menus, thank-you notes, invitations, as well as many other (repro) materials needed for companies can be printed.
Types of digital printing
Digital printing implies two types of printing, ie it is presented using all subcategories that perform different processes and using different technological means.
Static digital printing (computer to press)
The static type of digital printing (or computer to press program) is very reminiscent of classic, flat “offset” printing because it is performed on machines where the form illuminator (ctplate) is placed on the form cylinder, so that it is illuminated and developed inside the machine. The print flow is the same as for offset printing.
Let’s clarify that a little more…
What is offset printing and how does it actually differ from digital?
Flat offset printing belongs to the techniques of indirect printing, where the color from the form is not transferred directly to the substrate, but is previously placed on a rubber cover placed on the (offset) cylinder and only then on the printing material.
The printing process in the flat offset technique takes place by applying a wetting agent to the form attached by a roller while the printing mechanisms remain dry. Then the paint is applied, which “sticks” only to the surfaces that have remained dry.
Offset printing is cheaper, has more flexibility in choosing colors, paper and has a greater possibility of final graphic finishing. It is most often used for simpler printing of special business cards, catalogs, books, posters, flyers, etc.
On the other hand, digital printing is ideal for small runs and is extremely fast at affordable prices. Digital printing also provides a greater possibility of personalizing the product, which is why it is often used for printing flyers, newsletters, brochures, ID cards, postcards, invitations, etc.
Large format printing – “plotting” as an art
A special type of this way of printing is large format digital printing, large circulations as well as digital printing from sheets. This kind of printing can take several days.
Large format digital printing offers a large selection of materials and high quality printing, it is only necessary for the printing house to deal with this type of digital printing. Large format digital printing in Belgrade and other larger cities with better equipment is done on a high quality plotter, with environmentally friendly colors that do not harm the environment or human.
Printing can be done on PVC foils, papers of different weights, tarpaulin and excellent results have been seen in printing on canvas, canvas. Photo wallpaper printing attracts special attention due to the possibility of personalizing every corner of your home, restaurant or business space.
It is mainly intended for arranging shop windows or fair stands, and large format digital printing is especially recommended for visual communication with clients and photo branding.
Dynamic digital printing (computer to print)
Another subtype of digital printing is dynamic digital printing or computer to print, in which a new printing form is created for each work cycle. This type of printing is usually non-contact, ie pressure is not the basis of the printing process and does not allow the transfer of color from the form to the printing material.
Dynamic printing is based on the ink-jet process – printing with dry or wet toner using electrography that separates the printing and non-printing surfaces based on the charge and discharge of individual elements.
How does electrography work?
Thus, for example, non-printing surfaces and toner are of the same charge, so they repel each other, while printing surfaces are discharged, that is, oppositely charged in relation to the toner, so they attract it.
In this technique, the printing form does not really exist, it is imaginary (it is only in the computer’s memory) and is transferred directly to the printing substrate, when the color (toner) only after application makes the image visible.
Do you want every t-shirt to be different? Digital printing in a four-color photographic process using a compact DTG desktop will beautify every corner of your home or wardrobe.
Digital printing is designed to completely facilitate the printing process. The prepared material from the computer goes straight to the digital printing machine, which produces dozens of prints in just a few minutes.