What Is Digital Printing?

In today’s digital world, it’s not surprising to hear that digital printing is the latest method of printing out there. Whilst there are many benefits over conventional printing methods, one of the top advantages is that digital printing, as you would expect, has a superb high-quality finish.

What may surprise you though, is the fact that digital printing is extremely cost effective, even for small print runs. The flexibility, choices and features of digital print services ensure that printing small quantities takes full advantage of these benefits.

If you are searching for a printing method; digital printing could be the best solution for you.

What is the digital printing process?

Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. Using latex, eco-solvent, UV cured and LED digital print processes, you can print to almost any substrate, including foam PVC, aluminium composite, display board, fluted polypropylene, self-adhesive vinyl, scrim banner PVC, canvas, fabric and a huge range of plastic, paper and card stocks.

Digital files such as PDFs, JPGs or desktop publishing files can be used and sent directly to the digital printing press. This means your print order will be accurate and can be processed in super-fast time.

Why is digital printing different from offset printing?

Unlike offset printing, digital printing doesn’t require printing plates to transfer an image. Digital printing presses print the image directly onto the media substrate rather than using metal plates.  

In fact, digital printing is an alternative to numerous traditional printing methods such as flexography, lithography, offset printing, letterpress, gravure, and others. By eliminating many of the steps that are needed for conventional printing such as colour proofs, making printing plates and stripping the pieces together manually, digital print becomes a very convenient and cost effective method.

Before you decide on the best printing method for your business needs, it’s good to know the advantages that digital printing can offer.

Here’s our top benefits of digital printing…

• Full colour – Get various design possibilities with full colour and gradation print without the limitation of colours.
• Fast turnaround and quick delivery – full colour print is done in one process without using plates.
• Colour matching – ensuring accuracy and a reduction in time. 
• Low cost – even on smaller print runs you get the same high quality but cost effective printing.
• Simple and convenient – digital images and minimal set up makes printing easier and quicker.
• High quality and accurate – consistent accuracy as every print is the same.
• Small volumes – printing is more cost effective for medium to shorter print runs.
• Environmentally friendly – less waste, no film plates and photo chemicals.

What can you use digital printing for?

• Large format digital printing including posters, vinyl PVC banners, wallpaper, window graphics, exhibition graphics, point of sale, pull-up and pop-up displays, and FSDU’s.
• Small format digital printing including leaflets, brochures, stationery, business cards, invitations, booklets, strut cards, wobblers and labels.
• Mailers and direct mailing campaigns. 
• Textiles, fabrics, T-shirts and workwear.

How large can you print using digital printing? 

At Ashley Ads, we can print up to 2.2 metres in width and any length to roll media, 2.5m x 1.25m onto rigid substrates in a single section and up to 40mm thickness. We laminate, CAD cut, encapsulate, drill, eyelet and hem, crease, bond, fold, stitch and bend to achieve whatever is required.

If you’d like any further information, need a quote or would like to discuss a project, please get in touch or call for a chat with one of our digital print experts on 01603 701700.