Offset Printing vs. Digital Printing, Which Is Better?

‐ November 12, 2013

Digital Color Printing PressThere has been an obvious growth in the realm of digital printing technology in recent years. With this has come exciting new options for those using commercial printers. But is there still a place for traditional offset lithography? Which is better depends on what you need  printed and the quantities needed.

Understanding the difference between digital printing and offset lithography is critical in saving money on your printing cost. Since not all commercial printing companies have both types of equipment, knowing this information will help you choose which is right for you.

What is digital printing?

Digital printing is most of the time done on a heavy-duty production copy machine. Take your standard, color office copier and feed it steroids, stretch the length to 12 – 15 feet, boost the color output and you have the units commercial printers like Wilson Printing has. These digital units produce high quality color printing of company flyers, brochures, post cards and color flyers extremely fast and at a low cost per unit. Color digital printing is particularly efficient for low runs from 1 to 5000 pieces. For this reason, there has been an obvious growth in the realm of digital printing technology in recent years.

Advantages of Digital Printing:

  • Faster turnaround on color printing.
  • Every print is the same.
  • Better for the environment because of less waste due to not having to balance ink and water during press runs.
  • Especially good for low-volume jobs because of low set up and operational costs. Digital color printing can be less expensive for most low run work.
  • Small digital print runs provide a lower cost per piece.
  • Digital printing allows the use of variable data printing, allowing you to personalize your materials. This is particularly useful when doing targeted direct mail.
  • Full color printing of brochures, post cards and flyer printing service can be done quickly and at low printing cost.

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What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing has been around in one form or another for several hundred years. The technology has come a long way in that time, especially in the last 15 years. Today’s offset printing presses print very efficiently and at high rates of speed. With Offset printing an image is burned into a thin metal or polyester plate. The plate is mounted on the press and ink is put in the press. Offset presses use water mixed with a solution to dilute the ink. Once the plates are hung, the water and ink are balanced and the colors needed are matched, the job is now set up to run. This is what is referred to as “Set Up”. Wilson Printing has several offset presses that allow us to print one, two and full color printing very fast and at good prices.

Advantages of Offset printing:

  • High image quality.
  • Consistent quality.
  • Can run a variety of paper stocks efficiently.
  • The unit cost goes down as the quantity goes up. This makes cost for high runs, 5000 or more very affordable.
  • While today’s digital presses are close to the cost/benefit ratio of offset for high-quality work, they are not yet able to compete with the volume an offset press can produce.
  • Very efficient in printing large format materials like full color, cheap pocket folders.
  • Efficiently runs laser printer paper. This stock does not run well in digital presses.

Luckily when you come to Wilson Printing you don’t have to know the difference between offset and digital printing. We have both types of equipment and will decide which will run your job the most efficiently and with the least cost to you. Wilson Printing has the experience and equipment to produce the printed materials you need to run and expand your business. We are here to answer any questions you may have about digital versus offset printing. Please don’t hesitate to ask. Call us at 727-536-4173 or click this link.

Mark Hale
CEO

High Quality
Printing And Design

Our Services

  • Postcard Printing
  • Business Brochures
  • Booklet Printing
  • Flyers
  • Signs and Banners
  • Customer Thank You Cards
  • Websites
  • Custom Pocket Folders

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    Amanda Septimo
    2020-07-02
    My business is located in Wisconsin and I have been a bit frustrated with my local design/print options. I was searching on youtube and came found the Wilson Print Marketing youtube page and I was impressed. I gave them a call and they assisted me in designing a remodeling dream book that I could send to interior designers and general contractors. I am so happy I reached out. The design is AMAZING and the print quality is top of the line. I am so impressed and they will be my go to company for all of my design/print needs.
    Vicki Gailzaid
    2020-05-19
    I just had a book of poems printed by Wilson Printing and they did more then a fine job! They did it fast and competitively prices as well. Their service is friendly and truly unbeatable. The Owner Mark Hale is top notch also-He listens to what you need and want-Is not robotic but genuinely interested in you and your requirements. I highly recommend this company.
    Jomgg B
    2020-01-20
    Wow, how refreshing. I saw the YouTube they put out on brochures and liked the information so well I looked up their phone number. I talked to Kelsi and she was so helpful and professional. Real professional company that I plan to align with.
    Alan Holmes
    2019-10-10
    I have found Wilson Printing to be comprised of friendly, punctual, and dedicated team members. We have utilized them for several projects over the years and will continue to do so in the future. Thank you!
    Roei Azoviv
    2019-10-03
    Great service
    Jennifer Stepanek
    2019-09-26
    We have been very happy with Wilson printing. They have been helpful, professional and easy to work with getting our mailers out quickly at a good price. Highly recommend this company.
    Fabrizio Beltran
    2019-09-24
    Amazing team; I haven’t seen a company with such great customer service in years; from the office front desk to production to delivery. Reliable, organized, and high quality.
    Ulan Nutritional Systems, Inc.
    2019-09-23
    LOVE this place! They always print everything perfectly, onetime (usually faster) and they are very friendly. Don't go anywhere else for printing!!
    Marcy Sargeant
    2019-08-26
    Wilson Printing staff are professionals who are easy to work with, fast, friendly and competent. I'm so pleased our promotional products. I highly recommend them.
    Jennie Polson
    2019-05-28
    We recently were looking for an alternative for our printing needs. The staff at Wilson Printing helped me from design concept, pricing to fit our budget, difficultly with addresses, and etc. I could go on and on. Every question I had was researched and answered. They will walk you through the process and help you determine exactly what you need and work within your budget. You can not go wrong with them. It is family owned and operated and their customer service is 10 stars not just 5!!
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