Litho Printing vs. Digital Printing

In the world of printing, two primary methods have dominated the industry for decades: litho printing and digital printing. Each technique offers distinct advantages and is suitable for different printing requirements.

Understanding the differences between litho (sometimes referred to as offset printing), and digital printing can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right printing method for your needs.

Litho Printing:

Lithography, or litho printing, is a traditional offset printing technique that has been widely used for high-quality and large-volume printing projects. Here are some key characteristics and advantages of litho printing:

1. Versatility: Litho printing supports a wider range of materials, including paper, thicker cardstock, plastics, and metal. Generally speaking, it can handle larger paper sizes, thicknesses, and finishes, allowing for a wider range of customisation and flexibility.

2. High-Quality Output: Litho printing delivers exceptional image quality, sharpness, and color accuracy. It is ideal for projects that require precise color matching and intricate details, such as brochures, magazines, and packaging materials. However, in recent years, digital printing has closed the gap here, often with indistinguishable quality differences.

3. Cost-Effective for Large Print Runs: Litho printing becomes cost-effective for large print runs due to the setup costs involved. Once the plates are created, the printing process becomes efficient, making it an economical option for larger print runs.

4. Pantone Colours: Most colour litho presses come with 4 x ink stations, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black (CMYK), which when combined, make pretty much any full colour image.
Often more ink stations are added, and can be used for Pantone inks (which can be out of the CMYK spectrum), spot varnish for special effects, and other specialty inks. Digital printers are at a distinct disadvantage here, usually being CMYK only, and not able to print exact Pantone colours.

Digital Printing:

Digital printing, on the other hand, is a recent print technology that utilises digital technology to transfer digital files directly onto the printing substrate. Let's explore the advantages of digital printing:

1. Quick Turnaround: Digital printing eliminates the need for plate creation and setup, allowing for shorter turnaround times. It is ideal for projects that require fast production, such as small print runs, on-demand printing, and quick proofs.

2. Variable Data Printing: Digital printing enables the customisation of each printed piece, making it perfect for personalised marketing materials, direct mail campaigns, and variable data printing. Each piece can be tailored with unique text, images, or graphics.

3. Cost-Effective for Small Print Runs: With digital printing, there are no plate setup costs involved. This makes it a cost-effective option for small print runs or print-on-demand projects, as there are no minimum quantity requirements.

4. Proofing Capabilities: Digital printing allows for easy and accurate proofing. It enables you to preview and make adjustments to your design before final production, reducing the chances of errors or reprints.

Both litho printing and digital printing have their distinct advantages, and the choice depends on factors such as project requirements, budget, and timeline.

Litho printing excels in high-volume, high-quality projects, while digital printing offers flexibility, customisation, and quick turnarounds for smaller quantities. Understanding the strengths of each method empowers you to select the most suitable printing solution for your specific needs, ensuring a successful and efficient printing experience.

Here at City Images, we offer both digital and litho printing, so we can be totally impartial, and advise what is most suitable for your project, dependent on the factors above.

We hope this short article had been helpful and of course, if you have any questions or would like any advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,
The City Images Team