When a printing company quotes a job, there are many factors at play. Some major factors are the type and complexity of the prints needed, whether it will be one batch of prints or several, and the quantity of prints. With these factors in mind, some jobs are more suited to modern digital printing while others are better suited to traditional offset printing. It is a slower start-up process but can save businesses a lot of money in the long run.
What is Offset Printing?
Modern digital printing uses options like toner or liquid ink. This is best when a low number of prints is needed, such as 100 brochures.
Unlike digital printing, an offset printer uses plates to transfer images onto a rubber cylinder which is then rolled (offset) onto a sheet of paper. When large quantities of prints are needed, offset printing offers an accurate and oftentimes, more economical option.
Consistent colors and clean-looking prints are hallmarks of this method of printing. Because of this, it is the most common option for high volume commercial jobs. And the industry is expected to grow – The global Offset Printing Press market size is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2025 according to industry research.
The best example – Ever seen a video of newspapers running through big rolls? That’s offset printing.
Choosing Offset vs Digital Printing
Use these points to decide whether your next project works best with offset or digital printing:
- How big is your project? If you’re looking at high volume printing, the experts at One Stop Mail can help make the most cost effective decision.
- Are you in a hurry? Going offset takes a bit longer to set up, but the prints themselves fly off the press.
- Will you be using special processes such as foil stamping or embossing? Digital ink is not as receptive to heat and pressure, so offset is recommended.
- Are you looking for variable data printing (personalized printing)? Digital is the only option as it provides much more flexibility.
- Did you have a short run or long run in mind? Large runs are more economical offset.
Going Offset Can Save Your Business Money
For small businesses looking to maximize their return on investment in printing sales collateral, offset printing is a solid choice.
When producing large numbers of prints of a few originals, the setup time is a bit longer than with digital printing. However, you’ll spend less on big offset jobs than digital printing, which is about the same price per piece no matter how big the job gets. The more you print, the cheaper each piece becomes.
Because offset presses print so rapidly, your offset price per piece decreases with quantity. When large runs happen, the setup fee is absorbed by the diminished price per piece.
Why Choose One Stop Mail for Offset Printing?
With many card stock and quality finishing options, the team at One Stop Mail can provide a high quality, professional offset print product that will help your business stand out on sales calls and in your potential customers’ mailboxes. We will also choose the highest quality, cost-effective method of printing to meet your budget, timing, and brand.
Contact Us Today
Not sure whether you need offset or digital printing for your next project? Contact us and we’ll get in touch to find the highest quality, cost-efficient solution for your business, from custom business cards to window graphics to variable data mailers.
[/av_textblock]