DIGITAL PRINTING BASICS
Learn the basics before choosing a digital printing service
Digital printing can be defined as the reproduction of digital images, usually from a computer or digital camera, onto a physical surface. It has steadily been replacing traditional analog printing in many markets, most notably at the consumer and business level.
Digital and analog are designations of the signal types for data representation and print reproduction. Analog signal type uses variations in continuous phenomenon such as voltage or pressure to transmit data. On the other hand, digital depends on discontinuous patterns of electricity or light to transmit data.
Getting the Digital Image
Not unlike other digital processes, information or images are reduced to binary code, or “digitized” to facilitate their storage and reproduction. Many start out as analog images converted to digital or binary code through a scanner.
The scanner assigns a numerical value to the colors or tones in the image to create a digital copy. Now that the image has been translated into a series of numbers, the information can be stored on a computer hard drive or CD/DVD which can be transmitted to any digital printing press in just seconds.
Pros and Cons of Digital Printing
The digital printing process is unlike traditional analog printing in that it does not involve as time consuming of a “pre-press” operation. The image is directly transmitted to the output device, allowing for quick response and delivery times.
Plus, the distinct advantage and hallmark of digital printing is the ease at which output can be personalized and customized. The variable data printing qualities of digital printing increases the effectiveness of and response to marketing materials.
Digital printing best serves the needs of short run, variable data print jobs while analog is better suited for very large, mass produced printing jobs.
Digital photo printing can also sometimes be more time consuming if the end product requires thicker ink and toner deposits since a digital printing press deposits very thin layers of ink and toner. Digital ink and toner cartridges also have a more limited capacity so they carry a higher price tag.
Digital Printing Services at Online Prints
Have a postcard marketing campaign or other special event coming up?
Custom printing service Online Prints has the equipment and experience necessary for you to take advantage of all the benefits digital printing offers.
Online Prints has the Xerox iGen3 digital printing press at its fingertips for these types of projects. It is a new, 3 rd generation imaging process with four imaging stations that layer the CMYK inks on an electrically charged image carrier. The image is then transferred to the paper all at once!
See the quality and benefits digital prints can offer your business with no risk at Online Prints with 250 free business cards or 100 free postcards for all new customers.
Get started today at http://www.onlineprints.com and see how their digital printing solutions can put your business ahead of the pack!
