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The Differences between Digital Printing and Litho Printing
While computers and media devices have become commonplace and often chosen over paper and other hard copy medium they are still used. Paper and hard copy mediums make printed media possible. Hard copy mediums come in a variety of forms and allow everything from informative text to brilliant colors that dazzle and engage the eye. Printers can provide you with a variety of basic options when it comes to printing hardcopy media.
If you are looking for more options, the commercial sector offers a variety of additional choices when it comes to printed media. One of the more popular options, digital printing is a common choice because it is popular in both the commercial and personal sectors. It however, is not the only method available.
Litho printing works differently because computers are not directly involved and isn’t something that you can actually do at home. It is also known as offset printing where it takes an inked image and then transfers it to a rubber blanket from a plate. The lithographic process is performed where chemical processes are involved to make the image.
Computers are not directly involved in Litho printing and this makes it significantly different from digital printing. However, it is an involved process and considered difficult if not impossible to do in a home setting. The process involves taking an inked image and then from this plate transferring it to a rubber blanket. It is considered lithographic because of the chemical process that takes place when the image is created.
While computers do not play a direct role in Litho printing, they are still part of the process. Desktop publishing applications are often used to create the images that are used to create the plates. Presses rather than printers are used to transfer the image onto the paper or other hard copy medium. Each of these methods digital printing and litho printing have their own advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes to flexibility and being able to make changes, digital printing wins out over Litho printing. The output is direct and there is no need for plates. It is relatively inexpensive.
Offset printing is the top choice when you really need quality prints. Digital printing can reproduce quality outputs as well with the right printer and materials but offset printing has the advantage in quantity as well.
Top quality prints however, are more the area of litho printing than digital printing. Digital printing can make prints of a decent quality with the right equipment but the quality does not compare with what you can get through Litho printing.
The outputs look smooth with no real flaws making them excellent for books, posters, and other types of packaging.
Morag Saunders is the owner of Saunders Litho a Litho Printing Company – Lithographers located in Randburg, South Africa. If you would like additional info regarding Litho Printing or Digital Printing please visit our website.