Digital Printing

Digital printing uses modern digital technology to transfer data and images from a computer to paper, without the need for a plate, which is used in more traditional methods of printing (such as lithography, letter press and gravure).

Digital printing differs from these traditional methods in other ways too; for example, each print run can be different when using digital technology, where as with traditional methods, the same plate cannot be used to create different prints. When using digital printing, there is also no need to waste paper or ink and developing chemicals as there is no need to check that colour, position or registration are correct, as the computer can do this automatically.

The substrate (the material being printed on e.g. paper, fabric and board) is not permeated by the ink or toner. The ink remains as a thin layer on the substrate surface. A fuser fluid or UV curing process may be used to make the ink or toner adhere better to the substrate, but this isn’t always necessary. Another method used in digital printing involves the use of photographic paper, with the dyes already present in the emulsion contained within the plastic layers of the paper. The paper is then exposed to RGB lasers and photographic developing and fixing agents. This method is usually used for printing digital photographs.

The main uses of digital printing are for prototyping, short run printing and variable data printing (also known as personalized printing). This last aspect of digital printing makes it popular with businesses as digital printing can be used to print banners, posters and signage using waterproof inks and substrates.

Digital printing can be used on a variety of scales, from small home printing from your personal computer, to the printing on a larger scale for advertising. It is quick, easy and versatile and can be used to print on a variety of substrates, making it one of the best printing processes modern technology has to offer!

http://www.clearpoint-print.com