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Offset Printing vs Digital Printing: What You Need to Know

Introduction to Printing Methods in Packaging

Printing plays an essential role in product packaging, whether it's a short run production or packaging that you order over and over again. After all, without printing presses and designers who understand your printing needs, your packaging would blend in with everything else that lines the shelves. Imagine walking into Costco and buying your product packaging? No thanks!

In terms of printing methodologies, there are two main types: digital and offset printing. In this blog, we'll discuss digital printing, offset printing, and how offset printing and digital counterparts work to get your printing job done. Then we'll walk you through how to choose between offset and digital printing.

What is Offset Printing?

Traditional offset printing is what you're thinking of when you think about large printing presses with metal plates and rubber blankets. Offset printing technology works by transferring an image from a metal plate to a rubber blanket or rubber sheet, and then to the printing surface. "Offset" refers to the idea that the ink is offset to the rubber blanket, and then transferred directly to different paper types.

Usually used to print magazines, books, brochures, posters, and other larger format items, the clear lines and crisp details on offset printed materials simply cannot be duplicated with digital printing. It does take a little more time to set up, but if you're seeking absolute perfection you can't go wrong with the high quality prints, color fidelity, and greater detail produced by offset printing. One thing to note: since it does take more time and effort to set up, offset printing is typically only used for larger volumes.

What is Digital Printing?

As you probably guessed, digital printing is a printing method that doesn't need printing plates and uses a digital press. The digital print process is similar to printing something from a computer or phone, where electronic files are sent to an inkjet printer and then printing directly onto the paper material. Often used for product packaging, direct mail flyers, and t-shirts, digital printing is more streamlined than offset printing and doesn't require as much expertise or equipment to set up.

Some other benefits of digital printing are that it's cost-effective, especially for low volume projects and print jobs that are simply too small for offset printers. It's also ideal for on-demand output, allowing for very rapid turnaround and personalization of smaller orders. If tight deadlines are the norm for your company, using digital printing technology is in your best interest.

Offset and Digital Printing: Key Differences

When comparing offset printing vs digital printing, the key differences can be chalked down to equipment, speed, cost, sustainability, and customization capabilities. Here's a bit more about each.

Equipment

Since the offset printing process is more complex, it requires more equipment. Traditional offset printing requires metal plates, gears, rollers, and wet ink. It also requires an individual who understands the ins and outs of the complicated printing process. Digital printing, on the other hand, just requires a computer and a digital printing press.

Speed

Of the two printing technologies, digital printing is much faster since it doesn't require as much set up as offset printing. Simply import the file, open it, and press print.

Cost

Offset printing has a higher start-up cost than digital printing, but it can be less expensive per item depending on how large the order is. If you need a high volume of prints and want to focus on quality, offset printing might be your best choice. But if you have a lower order volume, digital printing is the printing method for you.

Sustainability

When it comes to the environmentally-friendliness of the two options, digital printing is often the more sustainable printing choice. This printing technique uses less ink and doesn't require the washing of plates. This is especially true if biodegradable inks are used and harmful chemicals are avoided.

Printing press machine, mass production in action.

Customization Capabilities

Finally, if your focus is variable data printing (i.e., each piece printed with a different name, mailing addresses, or SKU number), digital printing is your only option. Unfortunately, offset printing doesn't allow for this type of customization. If you need personalized data added to your packaging, digital technology is your only choice.

Choosing Between Digital and Offset Printing

Choosing between offset printing and digital printing ultimately comes down to the unique needs of your project. No single printing method is the right choice for every project. You'll need to weigh all of the above considerations before choosing the printing methods that are right for you. Both digital presses and offset printing have their own pros and cons, and we can help you select the right one.

CarePac: Your Partner in Digital Printing

At CarePac, we have a long history in the digital printing industry and will help you design and create the perfect packaging for your project. Whether you're looking for custom finishes, affordable low volume jobs, or large quantities at a lower cost, we can help. Contact us today for all your full color printing and packaging needs. Our setup costs are minimal and we'll cost effectively print packaging in large volumes for a lower price than our competition.

Digital Printing FAQs

Do I need to print high quantities for digital printing?

No. With digital printing, you can print as many (or as few) pouches or bags as you need. Unlike offset printers, which are more complex to set up than digital presses, you won't be tied to an exorbitant order minimum.

Is digital printing or offset printing better for superior image quality?

Generally speaking, offset printing results in cleaner lines and crisper images.

Offset Printing vs Digital Printing: What You Need to Know

Introduction to Printing Methods in Packaging

What is Offset Printing?

What is Digital Printing?