Digital & Offset Printing

Synergem offers both digital and offset printing services to help make your project look its best.  Each method has its own advantages and benefits.  Here are some of the key differences to consider when choosing one print method over the other:

TL;DR:

Offset Printing

Offset printing technology uses plates, usually made from aluminum, which are used to transfer an image onto a rubber “blanket”, and then rolling that image onto a sheet of paper. It’s called offset because the ink is not transferred directly onto the paper. Because offset presses run so efficiently once they are set up, offset printing is the best choice when larger quantities are needed, and provides accurate color reproduction, and crisp, clean professional looking printing.

Digital Printing

Digital printing doesn’t use plates the way offset does, but instead uses options such as toner (like in laser printers) or larger printers that do use liquid ink. Digital printing shines when lower quantities are needed; think of a run of 20 greeting cards or 100 flyers. Another benefit of digital printing is it’s variable data capability. When each piece needs a unique code, name or address, digital is the only way to go. Offset printing cannot accommodate this need.

Which printing method is right for my project?

While offset printing is a fantastic way to produce great-looking print projects, many businesses or individuals do not need large runs of 500 or more, and the best solution is digital printing.

Digital printing does not require printing plates, which greatly reduces setup time.  This allows for faster turnaround times compared to offset printing.  It is a cost-effective process for small runs and ideal for lower volume requirements.  Digital printing also allows for variable data printing, which means that each print can be customized with unique text, graphics, or images. This is useful for personalized marketing materials.  Digital printing yields sharp and clear images making it especially beneficial for designs with text and graphics.

Offset printing is more cost-effective for large runs because the more you print, the lower the unit cost.  Offset printing produces high-quality prints with sharp and vibrant colors. This is due to the use of Pantone® or CMYK color-matching systems.  Offset printing can also be used to print on a wider range of materials including paper, cardboard, and plastic.  The ink used in offset printing is absorbed into the substrate creating a long-lasting and durable print.

Overall, both  offset and digital are both useful printing methods. Each have particular benefits depending on your project’s requirements. For smaller projects requiring fast turnaround or variable data, digital makes the most sense.  When you need larger runs of a project, into the hundreds or thousands, or are using a specific, brand-centric Pantone color, offset printing is the only way to go.