Offset printing uses plates to transfer an image onto a rubber blanket which rolls and transfer the image onto the sheet of paper/card. We use offset printing to print large quantities of business cards, flyers and more. Accurate colour reproduction and high-quality printing can be achieved through this method of printing. Also, offset printing allows for finishings such as matt lamination, spot UV and also hot stamping. This is something digital printing cannot do. Therefore if you want all these finishings, you have to opt for offset printing.
Digital printing on the other hand, is basically a normal printing method which unlike offset printing does not use plates. Instead, it uses options such as toner or larger printers that do use liquid ink. Digital printing is a good option when printing smaller quantities and digital prints normally has a shorter lead time than offset printing.
Digital | Offset | |
---|---|---|
Quantity | Low | High |
Matt Lamination | ✓ | |
Spot UV | ✓ | |
Hot Stamping | ✓ | |
Round Corners | ✓ | ✓ |
Lead Time | ≈ 1 – 2 working days | ≈ 5-7 working days |
Advantages | – Lower quality (pixelate prints) | – High quality |