Professional Reprographics

A Digital Color Press

What is digital short-run printing?

In today’s business world, we don’t always have the luxury of planning far in advance. Rushing jobs at the last minute and still needing a competitive price have become the norm.

Digital printing has gradually become the standard for print and copy shops over the previous fifteen years.

Wikipedia defines digital printing as: Digital printing is a method of printing using digital techniques in which the data and images are printed directly from a computer onto paper, including those developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers.

This process is how most office and home printing is done and is so commonplace you might not think much about it. In the professional printing world, however, this is still revolutionary.

An Offset Printing Press Courtesy Wikipedia

Most commercial printing has been done on offset printing presses by offset printers.

Wikipedia defines offset printing as:Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called “fountain solution”), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.

Digital printing technology for commercial applications did not exist twenty years ago and has only become common in previous 5-10 years. This evolution has some important and signifigant advantages for the business owner:

• Every print can be different, because printing plates are not required, as in traditional methods.
• There is less waste chemical and paper, because there is no need to bring the image “up to colour” and check for registration and position.
• Digital printing is better for the enviornment; solvents and inks do damage to the enviornment and offset printing produces waste. Digital printing uses toner which bio degrades and because there is little waste, is more efficient
• Digital printing is often less costly for smaller runs – because plates are not required, runs can be as small as a single item or as many as thousands.
• Because you don’t have a quantity requirement, digital printing is often called ‘short run’ because you can print small quantities.

Short run means getting your materials printed how you want it and when you want it.

Short run digital printing is not only for small businesses, it is also great for large companies with hundreds of products.  Instead of printing large amounts at a time, digital printing allows you to print what you need and update as often as needed.

This short run digital printing is ideal for clients like you that are tight deadlines or with short run jobs. Short run digital printing allows you to keep your project on time and within budget.

Do you have a rush project that needs to be complete by deadline and on schedule? Contact us for a price quote – you’ll be glad you did!