Digital printing.

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small-run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large-format and/or high-volume laser or inkjet printers. As a subcategory or field of digital signal processing, digital image processing has many advantages over analog image processing. It allows a much wider range of algorithms to be applied to the input data and can avoid problems such as the build-up of noise and signal distortion during processing. Commercial digital printing is typically done with heavy-duty, high volume laser or inkjet printers and large format printers (such as those for printing up signs, posters, and banners). Digital printing doesn't use plates the way offset does, but instead uses options such as toner (like in laser printers) or larger printers that do use liquid ink. Another benefit of digital printing is it's variable data capability. When each piece needs a unique code, name or address, digital is the only way to go. Offset printing cannot accommodate this need. Instead of creating printing plates, the digital data is sent directly to the printer almost like hitting the "print" button on your computer. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods, but this price is usually offset by avoiding the cost of all the technical steps required to make printing plates. It also allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround time, and even a modification of the image (variable data) used for each impression.[2] Digital printing is ideal for variable data printing , print on demand, and fine art printing . In addition to inkjet and laser, some other digital printing methods use dye sublimation (for high quality proofing, photo-realistic prints), solid ink, and thermal wax .

Preparing files for digital printing.

You won't need to create separations for printing plates with digital printing but you will need to perform some of the other common prepress tasks such as resolving any font or graphic issues to include embedding fonts or supplying original font and image files as necessary, converting to CMYK and using rich blacks or using the correct PANTONE (or other) spot colors for coated, uncoated, or matte papers. You'll also need to supply your digital file in a format that your commercial printing service can work with whether that is PostScript, PDF, or the native format of your desktop publishing or graphics software.

Process.

The greatest difference between digital printing and traditional methods such as lithography, flexography, gravure, or letterpress is that there is no need to replace printing plates in digital printing, whereas in analog printing the plates are repeatedly replaced. This results in quicker turnaround time and lower cost when using digital printing, but typically a loss of some fine-image detail by most commercial digital printing processes. The most popular methods include inkjet or laser printers that deposit pigment or toner onto a wide variety of substrates including paper, photo paper, canvas, glass, metal, marble, and other substances.

In many of the processes, the ink or toner does not permeate the substrate, as does conventional ink, but forms a thin layer on the surface that may be additionally adhered to the substrate by using a fuser fluid with heat process (toner) or UV curing process (ink).

Digital printing is best used for items that required high amounts of detail, and orders of a smaller quantity. The fact that the digital printer does not use screens allows for a photographic print, with much more detail than traditional screen printing.

Inkjet printing.

Inkjet printing is printing from a computer image file directly to an inkjet printer as a final output. For artists making reproductions of their original work, inkjet printing is more expensive on a per-print basis than the traditional four-color offset lithography, but with inkjet printing the artist does not have to pay for the expensive printing-plate setup or the marketing and storage needed for large four-color offset print runs. Inkjet reproductions can be printed and sold individually in accordance with demand. Inkjet printing has the added advantage of allowing artists to take total control of the production of their images, including the final color correction and the substrates being used, with some artists owning and operating their own printers.

Digital laser exposure onto traditional photographic paper

Digital images are exposed onto true, light sensitive photographic paper with lasers and processed in photographic developers and fixers. These prints are true photographs and have continuous tone in the image detail. The archival quality of the print is as high as the manufacturer's rating for any given photo paper used. In large format prints, the greatest advantage is that, since no lens is used, there is no vignetting or detail distortion in the corners of the image.

Some Advantages of Digital Printing:

• setup costs are lower for short runs

• print only the amount you need, when you need it

• inexpensive black and white digital printing

• variable data capability (names, addresses, codes or numbering can be done easily)

• improved technology has made digital quality acceptable for more uses

Digital printing technology has grown significantly over the past few years with substantial developments in quality and sheet sizes.