| Digital
Printing
First
– What is digital printing?
Digital printing is a technology
that consents the linking
of printing presses to computers
that proves to be beneficial
in a number of ways: faster
turnaround times, lowered
production and setup costs,
and the ability to personalize
documents easier. Since it
is simply a more efficient
way of printing this new technology
is well-known in the printing
industry.
Second – The Digital
Process
• Gathering information
such as image, text or both
through an analog means like
scanning through a digital
means like a digital camera
or word processor document.
• Converting your information;
your file format needs to
be converted to a useable
file, such as TIFF, or EPS.
• Setting your layout.
• Printing can start
almost immediately after your
design and layout is set.
Third – Printing Methods
in the Digital Realm
In digital printing realm,
there are many ways of printing.
Here are some examples of
the methods:
Inkjet –
The primary printer technology
for home, offices and small
businesses is inkjet printer
and it costs reasonably comparing
to other printers. These types
of printers generate good
color output but can be slow.
Best results are usually achieved
when printing to specially
coated inkjet or photo papers.
Thermal
Wax – Thermal wax printers
entail very smooth coated
paper or transparencies for
best output and also produce
vibrant color. For colorful
business presentations, thermal
wax printing technology works
well for businesses.
Dye Sublimation
- Dye-sublimation printing
methods are favored by some
graphic designers for high-end
proofing and also for businesses
that produces the best possible
coloring materials in-house.
Electrostatic
– Electrostatic printing
is a process for printing
as well as copying in which
electrostatic forces are used
to form the image in powder
or ink directly on the surface
to be printed.
Spray Jet
– This printing process
is same as the Inkjet process,
however the ink is applied
to the substrate using spray
nozzles.
Advantages
of Digital Printing:
Cost - pre-press/setup
costs are considerably lower
than most plate printing methods.
This makes making digital
short runs more affordable.
Size –
Virtual digital images can
be formed in any size. Output
devices range in size from
a few inches wide to over
sixteen feet in width. For
even larger graphics, images
can be "tiled" and
assembled in pieces.
Turnaround Time
- Digital imaging permits
quick turnarounds and the
capability to change images
"on the fly." Most
conventional printing methods
involve proofs and setup.
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