Digital printing is a modern printing technique that offers versatile and high-quality printing on a variety of media, including paper, vinyl, and magnetic materials. It's commonly used in the production of labels, badges, fridge magnets, and more. Using the CMYK colour model, it can reproduce a full spectrum of colours to accommodate intricate designs and images. Here's everything you need to know about digital printing.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a method of printing that involves transferring a digital-based image directly onto a variety of media. Ideal for full-colour, complex images with gradients, this process doesn't require a printing plate, leading to faster turnaround time and lower costs for shorter runs.
Advantages of Digital Printing
- Detail and Colour: Ideal for producing full-colour, complex images with gradients, reproducing vivid details and a wide array of colours.
- Variable Data: The ability to print variable data, such as individual names, is available on select products, offering a more personalised touch.
- Cost-Effective: Only one setup charge is required, regardless of the number of print colours.
- Quick Turnaround: The ink used in digital printing dries instantly, allowing products to be shipped immediately after printing.
- Custom Shapes: Select products can be cut into custom shapes to suit your specific requirements.
- Edge-to-Edge Branding: Certain products support edge-to-edge branding, maximising the visual impact of your design.
Limitations of Digital Printing
- Colour Limitations: Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available in digital printing.
- White Print Limitations: White print cannot be produced on kraft, clear, silver, or gold stock.
- Dark Substrates: Digital printing cannot be applied to dark coloured substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork.
Artwork Recommendations for Digital Printing
- Format: Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Bitmap images should have a resolution higher than 300DPI at the actual print size.
- Bleed: If your artwork bleeds off the product, a 3mm bleed should be added to ensure optimal results.
If you're unsure about how to meet these recommendations, our dedicated graphics team is ready to assist in preparing your artwork for digital printing.
Digital printing is a flexible, efficient, and high-quality method of branding, suitable for a variety of applications. While it has some limitations, its quick turnaround, detailed reproduction capabilities, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for many branding needs. If you need further information or want to discuss your digital printing requirements, feel free to get in touch with us.