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Ever wondered what the difference between litho printing and digital printing in Meadowdale is? Don’t assume that different printing processes produce the same result.

Follow this easy guide to help you decide which method of printing is best for you.

Litho printing

The litho printing technique involves transferring inked images from a metal plate to a rubber blanket. Printing plates are attached to a cylinder in a press. Ink is applied to an area on the plate and transferred to paper. Unlike conventional ink, the ink used in litho printing is not absorbed into the paper, but Forms a layer on the surface.

Advantages:

• Less waste: In general litho printing produces less waste in terms of chemicals used and paper wasted.


• Image quality: Litho printing produce better quality images when compared to digital printing.


• Colour: With litho printing, you can have literally as many colours as you want.


• Printing surfaces: Litho printing can be done on almost any paper stock at any weight, in fact, it can be done on any smooth surface that is practical.

Disadvantages:

• Pixilation: Pixilation usually sets in if images are not printed at least 300dpi.


• Cost: In general, Litho printing is only economical for Print runs above 1000 pages.

Digital printing

Digital printing involves reproducing digital images on physical surfaces such as paper or cloth.

Advantages:

• Speed: Digital printing is an excellent solution for fast turnaround.


• Cost: It is the best option for small Print runs.


• Pixilation: Digital printing is more forgiving than litho printing. Pixilation will only set in if Print resolution is below 150dpi.

Disadvantages:

• Colour correction and accuracy: This is not nearly as good as that of litho printing and is especially a problem with colours like purple and orange.


• Inconsistency: The same impression can produce different results on paper.


• Colour limitations: Although there are exceptions, digital printing is usually limited to four colour printing.

For high volume printing runs, litho printing is the best option because of its cost-effectiveness and image quality. For smaller Print runs, provided that quality is not a big issue, digital printing in Meadowdale is the best option. Contact Minuteman Press Meadowdale for Litho printing and all your printing needs.